Can pharmaceutical interventions aid in treatment?
Several pharmaceutical interventions target the toxicological pathways involved in atherosclerosis. Statins, for instance, are widely used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the arterial walls. They work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is crucial for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Statins also have antioxidant properties that help mitigate oxidative stress, thereby slowing plaque buildup. Other drugs, such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, manage blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular strain, indirectly influencing atherosclerotic progression.