Is CRP A Better Predictor of Heart Attack Risk than Serum Cholesterol?

It is now scientifically well established that inflammation plays a role in the initiation, growth and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques that lead to clogged arteries and most heart attacks. The rupture of unstable, cholesterol-filled plaques triggers the formation of a blood clot inside the artery that can suddenly block blood flow to tissues down stream from that clot.[1] [2] [3] Inflammation promotes blood clot formation.[4] There seems to be little doubt that inflammation plays some role in both the growth of atherosclerotic plaques and their subsequent rupture and clot formation. The question is how can this inflammation be accurately measured and what steps should be taken clinically if inflammatory markers are elevated.