Atherosclerosis: an update.

Abstract

CHD remains the leading cause of death in most developed countries; therefore, elucidation of risk factors and associated mechanisms for atherosclerosis and development of CHD has been a high priority. Data from the Framingham Heart Study and other large-scale epidemiologic studies have identified major risk factors associated with CHD, demonstrating the adverse effects of increased total and LDL-C levels and the protective effect of HDL-C. Other endogenous and exogenous risk factors have been identified and are discussed in this review. In addition, we address known mechanisms involved in the atherosclerotic process.