The New York Times today front paged with Gina Kolata's article called TWO STUDIES SUGGEST A PROTEIN HAS A BIG ROLE IN HEART DISEASE.

The studies found that lowering CRP independently reduced the progression of atherosclerosis independent of cholesterol.
The effects are claimed as large as extreme lowering of LDL.
The two protocols taken together are said to reverse already formed atherosclerotic plaque.
Healthy people tend to have CRP's less than 1.0 but one-third of the population has CRP's over 3.0 and are at risk.

New York Times is available online for anyone wishing to read the whole article.

For the statin haters though, unfortunately the best way to lower CRP is, you guesssed it, a statin.

For the statin haters though, unfortunately the best way to lower CRP is, you guesssed it, a statin.CRP (C-reactive protein) is a substance manufactured by the liver in response to the presence of inflammation in the body. Inflammation weakens the fatty buildups [in arteries], making them more likely to rupture and cause clotting that can trigger a heart attack or stroke.

This concept is not new, just revisited.

Re: the most recent data... There are important caveats to the new data. Both studies were done in patients with serious heart disease, who may differ from other patients. And some doctors say that although there may be a benefit to doing blood tests to monitor inflammation, it's difficult to know how practicing physicians should use the information.

Exercise, and a reduction in fat, particularly around the middle, is one of the most powerful factors for lowering CRP.