[Inflammation in acute coronary syndromes: mechanisms and clinical implications]
Dominick J Angiolillo1, Luigi M Biasucci, Giovanna Liuzzo
1Institute of Cardiology-Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Roma, Italy.
Insights
Inflammation drives atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Understanding inflammatory mechanisms in ACS can improve patient outcomes and identify new therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
Context:
- Atherosclerosis is an active inflammatory disease.
- Inflammation is strongly linked to acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
- Elevated inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein predict poor outcomes in ACS.
Purpose:
- To review the inflammatory mechanisms in ACS.
- To discuss the clinical implications of inflammation in ACS.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation in ACS.
Summary:
- Inflammation is central to atherosclerosis development and complications.
- In ACS, inflammatory processes are key, with elevated markers predicting adverse events.
- This review details the molecular and cellular basis of inflammation in ACS, its prognostic value, and therapeutic avenues.
Impact:
- Enhanced understanding of ACS pathogenesis.
- Improved prognostic stratification for cardiovascular risk.
- Identification of novel therapeutic targets for managing ACS and atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its complications. In particular, atherosclerosis is an active process and the inflammatory component appears to be particularly correlated with the development of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Accumulating data demonstrate that in ACS, elevated levels of circulating inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, predict an unfavorable cardiovascular outcome. A better knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of inflammation might not only further improve prognostic stratification but also allow us to identify novel therapeutic targets. The present review summarizes the mechanisms of the inflammatory response in ACS, its clinical implications, and the potential treatment strategies to contrast this phenomenon.
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Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response


