Greg Wirth

Inflammation results when excess bad cholesterol (LDL), makes its way into the bloodstream through the arterial wall. Once LDL is there, the inflammatory response is triggered and cholesterol accumulates on the arterial wall leading to arterial blockage and hence a heart attack. During this process, C-reactive protein is released. This discovery has led to a change in protocols related to heart disease screening and testing. The 2002 study found women with elevated C-reactive protein levels were more than twice as likely to suffer a heart attack as women with low levels.