Abstract

Background: Atherosclerosis, a key contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), is influenced by multiple risk factors. Chronic inflammation has been increasingly recognized as a significant driver in the progression of atherosclerosis and the subsequent development of cardiovascular events. This study investigates the role of chronic inflammation in accelerating atherosclerotic plaque formation and its contribution to cardiovascular complications. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 200 patients, selected from various hospitals in Kerala,india aged 40–70 years, with established risk factors for atherosclerosis (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking) were enrolled in this prospective study. Inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were measured at baseline and followed over a 2-year period. All patients underwent carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring as indicators of atherosclerotic burden. The cohort was divided into two groups based on baseline inflammation levels: high inflammation (n=100) and low inflammation (n=100). Cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, were recorded.

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