The role of inflammation in promoting atherosclerosis and subsequent cardiovascular
disease is increasingly recognised, particularly after the publication of Anti-inflammatory
Therapy with Canakinumab for Atherosclerotic Disease (CANTOS) and Colchicine Cardiovascular
Outcomes (COLCOT) trials. It appears that specifically targeting the Nod-like receptor
protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome—interleukin 1/interleukin 18—interleukin 6 pathway
appears to be most beneficial in cardiovascular risk reduction. High sensitivity C-reactive
protein (CRP) is a downstream biomarker of inflammation that can be used to monitor
treatment. This article will discuss the role of inflammation in cardiovascular disease,
the utility of high sensitivity C-reactive protein and treatments that target this
inflammation. While further research is needed into the cost effectiveness and safety
of newer agents, it remains an evolving approach to manage cardiovascular risk.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 07, 2020
Accepted:
September 3,
2020
Received in revised form:
August 10,
2020
Received:
March 21,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
