IL6 and atherosclerosis: Activated endothelial cells may promote platelet activation, inflammatory reactions, and progression of atherosclerosis.150,151 As discussed in previous sections, persistent inflammation due to chronic HIV can lead to increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), and other mediators, which, in turn, activate the coagulation system and increase the risk of CVD.2,5,9,150 D-dimer, a byproduct of the coagulation cascade and a marker for inflammation, is elevated in HIV.