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
JPEN: Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition: Synergistic Anti-Inflammatory Activity of [omega]-3 Lipid and Rofecoxib Pretreatment on Macrophage Proinflammatory Cytokine Production Occurs via Divergent NF-[kappa]B Activation/Discussant/Author's Reply
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.