New play for an old actress: A Cinderella in cardiovascular disease

Sustained low-grade inflammation is a key partner in the beginning and progression of several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The inflammatory response determines the initiation of atherosclerosis, playing a main role in the development of acute coronary ischemia and heart failure [1–3]. Increased circulatory levels of inflammatory indicators/mediators such as hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) or interleukin-6 (IL-6) have appeared as independent markers of poor outcome in several CVDs; including acute coronary syndrome [4], although causality between cardiovascular events and inflammation need to be investigated in more detail.