Inflammation may be just as important as cholesterol in causing heart attacks, and is frequently overlooked, say researchers, suggesting different treatments should be considered for prevention.
Heart attacks and strokes are among the commonest causes of death worldwide, and for years, much of the focus has been on cholesterol: statin drugs, used to lower cholesterol, are generally the most commonly prescribed medication for preventing cardiovascular disease.
But now researchers say inflammation, which is linked to the background activity of the immune system, is another key contributor. …more