In the Injury Theory, it's damage to the arterial endothelium, followed by platelet activation, then smooth muscle cell migration to injury, then macrophages, with resulting "foam cells." Engorged foam cells burst, starting the injury cycle all over again
Statins have pleiotropic effects: anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antithrombotic, and vascular activity, & may improve left ventricular myocardial function & left ventricular diastolic function by increasing vascular elasticity.
M. Brede, K. Hadamek, L. Meinel, F. Wiesmann, J. Peters, S. Engelhardt, A. Simm, A. Haase, M. Lohse, and L. Hein. Circulation, 104 (21):
2602-7(November 2001)Brede, M Hadamek, K Meinel, L Wiesmann, F Peters, J Engelhardt, S
Simm, A Haase, A Lohse, M J Hein, L In Vitro Research Support, Non-U.S.
Gov't United States Circulation Circulation. 2001 Nov 20;104(21):2602-7..