Application Prospects of Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases pose significant threats to human health due to their high incidence and mortality rates; therefore, early diagnosis, precise treatment, and improvement of long-term prognosis remain key research priorities in this field. Traditional diagnostic methods for cardiovascular diseases primarily rely on echocardiography, contrast-enhanced CT, or MRI, which exhibit low sensitivity and specificity, poor image clarity, and radiation exposure. Additionally, challenges associated with drug targeting efficacy and therapeutic effectiveness should be urgently addressed. By modulating the particle size, surface properties, and functional groups of various nanomaterials, nanotechnology offers superior advantages, including real-time fluorescence imaging, targeted drug delivery, and controlled release. Thanks to these advantages, nanotechnology demonstrates remarkable benefits in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer. With the ongoing advancement of interdisciplinary medical-engineering research, nanotechnology has shown considerable potential in cardiovascular disease management. This article systematically reviews the current applications of nanomaterials, including both organic and inorganic ones, in cardiovascular imaging, targeted drug delivery, and integrated diagnosis-treatment approaches, while discussing the current status and challenges in the use of nanotechnology for the management of cardiovascular diseases. The article aims to promote the application of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and facilitate ultimate clinical translation.