Do we need to consider inflammatory markers when we treat atherosclerotic disease?

This review considers the value of monitoring inflammatory markers as a guide to selecting appropriate drugs in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clinical and experimental studies investigated inflammation in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) or metabolic syndrome (MetS), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD). Evidence suggests that in these high risk groups inflammation plays a role in the extent and severity of atherosclerosis. Simple inflammatory markers (e.g. C-reactive protein and fibrinogen) can be monitored cost effectively and may influence the selection of drugs that can normalize both traditional CVD risk factors and inflammation. However, this concept requires proof in appropriately designed trials that include clinically relevant end points.