Inflammation and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: lights and shadows

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is increasingly recognized as an inflammatory disease.
• Inflammation plays a critical role in all stages of atherosclerosis, including plaque rupture and erosion.
• Atherothrombosis, driven by inflammation, is a primary cause of acute myocardial ischemic syndromes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of inflammation in atherosclerosis.
• To summarize clinical trials testing anti-inflammatory drugs for cardiovascular event reduction.
• To discuss current expectations and challenges in anti-inflammatory therapy for atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature and clinical trial data.
• Application of concepts and drugs from immunology and rheumatology to cardiology.
• Focus on anti-inflammatory strategies targeting the atherosclerotic process.

Main Results:

• Clinical trials are investigating whether anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce cardiovascular events.
• Evidence suggests inflammation is a key driver of atherothrombosis and its complications.
• Anti-inflammatory treatments hold potential for reducing myocardial ischemic syndromes and cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusions:

• Targeting inflammation is a promising therapeutic strategy in cardiology for managing atherosclerosis.
• Anti-inflammatory treatments may reduce the occurrence of acute cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death.
• Despite progress, significant challenges and unanswered questions remain in this evolving field.