IL18 and atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease characterized by the progressive hardening or narrowing of arterial vessels that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.165,166 In atherosclerosis, high quantities of cholesterol and white blood cells clog the arterial wall, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the organs.167–169 Compared to disease-free arterial tissues, atherosclerotic plaques contain higher levels of IL-18 and IL-18 receptors.