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The Link Between Inflammatory Disorders and Coronary Heart Disease: a Look at Recent Studies and Novel Drugs in
H Teague1, Nehal N Mehta2,3
1National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Insights
Inflammation drives coronary heart disease (CHD) and atherosclerosis. Targeting inflammatory pathways may reduce CHD risk, but specific patient groups benefiting from these treatments require further identification.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Immunology
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Inflammation is a key factor in coronary heart disease (CHD) development and atherosclerosis.
- Systemic inflammation is linked to increased risk of CHD events.
- Atherosclerosis progression is sustained and advanced by inflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review inflammation's role as a risk factor in atherosclerosis.
- To discuss human disease states associated with accelerated atherosclerosis.
- To summarize current CHD treatment strategies targeting the inflammatory cascade.
Main Methods:
- Review of human translational and preclinical studies.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on systemic inflammation and CHD risk.
- Summary of clinical studies investigating anti-inflammatory treatments for CHD.
Main Results:
- Evidence confirms inflammation's contribution to atherosclerosis development and progression.
- Diseases marked by high systemic inflammation correlate with elevated CHD risk.
- Clinical studies have explored targeting the inflammatory cascade for CHD prevention.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease.
- Targeting inflammatory pathways is a therapeutic strategy for CHD.
- Identifying patient populations for preventative anti-inflammatory treatments is ongoing.
Abstract:
Inflammation is a critical component in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD), specifically in the process of atherogenesis. Human translational and preclinical studies have demonstrated that inflammation contributes to the development, sustainment, and progression of atherosclerosis, and epidemiological studies demonstrate that human diseases associated with increased systemic inflammation increase the risk of CHD-related events. Therefore, over the last decade, multiple clinical studies were designed to target the inflammatory cascade in order to reduce the risk of CHD and to identify which populations may benefit from these preventative treatment strategies. This review briefly summarizes inflammation as a risk factor in atherosclerosis, human disease states associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, and current treatment strategies for CHD targeting the inflammatory cascade.
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