Why does chronic low-grade inflammation increase atherosclerotic plaque formation within arterial walls?

💡 Explanation

Chronic inflammation promotes atherosclerosis because it triggers macrophage activation via cytokine signaling within arterial walls. This induces the formation of foam cells from lipid-laden macrophages, thus accelerating plaque development. Therefore, macrophage activation is the key process, rather than simply inhibiting nitric oxide or reducing LDL uptake.

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