Although carotid IMT is significantly correlated with extent and severity of CAD, the relationship is weak. This relatively poor correlation (r2 < .10) should be considered in the interpretation of clinical trials that use carotid IMT as a surrogate end point for coronary atherosclerosis.

Synergy between CRP and inflammatory mediators may play a direct prothrombotic role in the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis and its acute complications by increasing monocyte/macrophage TF. This may contribute to age and sex differences in coronary events and to the protective effects of HRT.