Summary

Inflammation plays a critical role in all phases of atherosclerosis, and it is triggered in part by lipid entry and retention and subsequent oxidation in the vessel walls. Most of the factors that contribute to plaque instability are related to lipid accumulation and subsequent inflammatory pathway activation. Changing the phenotype of the atherosclerotic lesions could increase plaque stability and reduce clinical events. This article discusses several interventions to reduce inflammation, as well as selected studies regarding the reduction of risk factors.