Anti-inflammatory therapies for cardiovascular diseases: novel evidence, clinical implications, and future perspectives

Abstract

Inflammation plays an important role in cardiovascular disease. Growing evidence suggests a profound involvement of the inflammatory response in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and its complications. In patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), residual cardiovascular risk often remains high despite optimal medical therapy and the achievement of the therapeutic targets recommended by current guidelines. Among the multiple components of residual risk, residual inflammatory risk, assessed by plasma levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, has shown a strong association with the incidence of cardiovascular events. Recent studies suggest that therapeutic modulation of inflammation, particularly the interleukin (IL)-1/IL-6 pathway, is a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. This review aims to discuss pragmatically the interaction between inflammation and ASCVD, describe current evidence on anti-inflammatory therapies in patients with cardiovascular and renal diseases, and outline the potential implications of these new therapeutic approaches in contemporary and future practice.