The potential role of viruses in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

DESPITE the fact that atherosclerotic vascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in devel- oped countries, there are wide gaps in the understand- ing of its cause. Extensive epidemiologic studies have revealed the importance of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and cigarette smoking in the atheroscle- rotic process and provide clinically important variables through which this disease process can potentially be favorably modified.' Also, effective medical therapies as well as improved mechanical techniques such as angioplasty and bypass surgery have improved our ability to control the clinical manifestations ofvascular disease. Despite these advances, the primary inciting events in the atherosclerotic process remain poorly defined.