Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is the natural process by which the body responds to injury (such injury may be caused or exacerbated by bacterial infections or a viruses). Numerous studies suggest that inflammation is a contributing factor in fatty deposits building up in the lining of arteries (also known as atherosclerosis). These fatty deposits can clog arteries and cause heart attacks or stokes. 

Resveratrol has been found to inhibit the activity of several inflammatory enzymes (in vitro) in several laboratory studies.  
 

Blood Platelet Aggregation 
Blood platelets are irregularly shaped cell fragments that help to form blood clots; blood clots can partially or fully block coronary or cerebral arteries causing heart attacks or strokes. 

Several studies indicate that resveratrol inhibits blood platelets from aggregating (in vitro).  
 

Lowering cholesterol
Many researchers believe that resveratrol is at least partially responsible for the cholesterol lowering effects (both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol) of red wine. Resveratrol is believed to block cholesterol oxidation through its antioxidant properties.  
 

Treatment After Heart Attack 
5 to 10% of heart attack victims suffer a condition called atrial fibrillation (where the top chambers of the heart flutter) after a heart attack; this condition can produce blood clots that can result in a stroke. In a recent study, resveratrol was given to selected rodents before a heart attack was induced while other rodents received nothing. The mortality rate of rodents who received the resveratrol was just 10% and fibrillation lasted an average of 112 seconds compared to a 50% mortality rate and fibrillation lasting an average of 164 seconds for rodents who received no resveratrol.