The Truth Behind Plaque Formation and Heart Health

Contrary to popular belief that saturated fats cause plaques that block blood vessels, recent scientific revelations challenge this notion. While the composition of atherosclerotic plaques, like the presence of foam cells and fats, is known, the exact formation process remains a topic of speculation. Inflammation, particularly driven by foam cells and oxidative stress, plays a critical role in atherosclerosis. LDL cholesterol, often highlighted as a marker of heart disease risk, pales in comparison to C-reactive protein as a predictor. Studies like those by Brown and Goldstein in 1979 shed light on how macrophages interact with oxidized LDL, emphasizing the role of altered LDL in plaque development.