This study involves two members of the annexin family of proteins and their relationship to cardiovascular disease. The main findings are the inhibiting effect of annexin A5 on clearing away dead cells and, therefore, the enhancing effect on ‘arteriosclerosis’. Annexin A1 has an anti-inflammatory effect and was successful in the treatment of ‘arteriosclerosis’ as well as the reduction of damage following myocardial infarction. These findings may lead to the development of new drugs.