Emerging Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Over the past decade, studies have demonstrated that circulating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)-recognised for their stability and ease of detection-serve as crucial regulators and potential biomarkers in multiple diseases. LncRNAs regulate key processes, including endothelial function, vascular remodelling, and myocardial hypertrophy, all of which influence CVD progression. Additionally, lncRNAs display cell-, tissue-, and disease-specific expression patterns, making them ideal therapeutic targets or tools. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of lncRNAs in CVDs, examining their mechanisms of action and recent research advances. It also addresses the use of lncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as potential applications of RNA therapeutics in novel treatment strategies.