Recent epidemiologic evidence suggests that inflammation plays a major role in the development of coronary artery disease. High sensitivity C-reactive protein assays have been shown to be independent risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. Measurements of C-reactive protein also adds to the predictive value of lipid levels in determining the risk of cardiovascular disease. Levels of inflammatory markers may also correlate with response to commonly used lipid lowering agents. The exact role of inflammation in coronary artery disease is not clear; however, it has been suggested that inflammation may be a marker of subclinical cardiovascular disease, or may indicate the presence of vulnerable plaque. In addition to being a possible causative agent in the development of atherogenesis, it has been postulated that inflammatory markers may reflect events that predict the development of myocardial events. The fact that agents such as aspirin and pravastatin, which are known to have anti-inflammatory effects, are effective agents in the prevention of atherosclerosis suggests the possibility that prevention of inflammation may play an important role in reduction of risk for cardiovascular disease.