Inflammation as a Central Target in Cardiovascular Disease: 2025 ACC Scientific Statement

The 2025 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Statement underscores inflammation as a pivotal driver of cardiovascular disease (CVD), elevating it from an emerging concept to an actionable therapeutic target. Evidence from large-scale trials demonstrates that residual inflammation, particularly measured through high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), remains a strong predictor of recurrent cardiovascular events, even in statin-treated patients. In primary prevention, hsCRP screening identifies high-risk individuals who benefit significantly from statin therapy despite normal LDL cholesterol levels.

Consensus recommendations call for near-universal hsCRP screening in both primary and secondary prevention, integration of anti-inflammatory dietary and lifestyle strategies, and consideration of pharmacological approaches. Low-dose colchicine emerges as the first FDA-approved anti-inflammatory agent for reducing cardiovascular events in stable atherosclerosis, supported by consistent trial evidence. In addition, IL-1 and IL-6 inhibitors are being investigated across diverse cardiovascular contexts, including chronic kidney disease, HFpEF, and acute coronary syndromes.

The statement also highlights promising research areas such as specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, perivascular fat imaging, and the impact of clonal hematopoiesis on residual inflammatory risk. Despite advances, gaps remain in translating biomarker-driven and imaging-guided strategies into clinical practice. Overall, the evidence is compelling: targeting inflammation represents not only a novel paradigm but also an essential step in reducing the global burden of CVD.

#Cardiology #Inflammation #CVPrevention #Colchicine #ACC2025

Editorial note: This text was organized with the support of artificial intelligence, but it was critically reviewed and validated by a qualified professional to ensure scientific accuracy and reliability.