Miażdżyca
Leczenie

Miażdżyca jest przewlekłą chorobą zapalną tętnic, charakteryzującą się tworzeniem blaszek miażdżycowych złożonych z lipidów, cholesterolu i komórek zapalnych. Leczenie obejmuje modyfikację stylu życia, farmakoterapię oraz interwencje inwazyjne w przypadku zaawansowanych zmian. Zalecane zmiany stylu życia to zaprzestanie palenia, dieta śródziemnomorska bogata w oliwę z oliwek extra virgin, regularna aktywność fizyczna (30-45 minut 3-5 razy w tygodniu), kontrola masy ciała i stresu oraz ograniczenie alkoholu. Farmakoterapia opiera się głównie na statynach, które obniżają LDL-cholesterol i wykazują efekty plejotropowe, a także na lekach przeciwpłytkowych (np. ASA, klopidogrel) oraz lekach obniżających ciśnienie krwi (ACEI, beta-blokery). Nowoczesne terapie obejmują inhibitory PCSK9, inklizyran (siRNA) oraz leki przeciwzapalne, takie jak kolchicyna i kanakinumab, które ukierunkowują się na mechanizmy zapalne miażdżycy.

Miażdżyca – Leczenie i terapia

Miażdżyca (atherosclerosis) jest przewlekłą chorobą zapalną tętnic charakteryzującą się tworzeniem blaszek miażdżycowych, które zawierają tłuszcze, cholesterol i komórki zapalne. Leczenie miażdżycy ma na celu spowolnienie lub zatrzymanie postępu choroby, zapobieganie powikłaniom oraz poprawę jakości życia pacjenta. Wczesna diagnoza i leczenie mogą pomóc uniknąć lub opóźnić powikłania, takie jak zawał serca czy udar mózgu.123

Modyfikacja stylu życia

Dla niektórych pacjentów z łagodną postacią miażdżycy, zmiany stylu życia mogą być jedynym wymaganym leczeniem.1 Te zmiany obejmują:

  • Zaprzestanie palenia tytoniu i używania wyrobów tytoniowych1
  • Przestrzeganie diety przyjaznej dla serca, takiej jak dieta śródziemnomorska12
  • Regularna aktywność fizyczna (30-45 minut chodzenia, biegania, pływania lub jazdy na rowerze 3-5 razy w tygodniu)1
  • Utrzymanie prawidłowej masy ciała1
  • Kontrolowanie stresu1
  • Ograniczenie spożycia alkoholu12

Zmiany dietetyczne powinny obejmować: zmniejszenie ilości tłuszczów nasyconych, eliminację tłuszczów trans, ograniczenie rafinowanych węglowodanów, zwiększenie spożycia owoców i warzyw oraz błonnika.1 Badania z 2021 roku wykazały, że dieta śródziemnomorska bogata w oliwę z oliwek typu extra virgin spowalnia progresję miażdżycy skuteczniej niż dieta niskotłuszczowa.1

Farmakoterapia

Leki stanowią podstawę leczenia miażdżycy, szczególnie u pacjentów z wysokim ryzykiem powikłań sercowo-naczyniowych. Farmakoterapia ma na celu obniżenie poziomu cholesterolu, zapobieganie tworzeniu się zakrzepów oraz kontrolę czynników ryzyka, takich jak nadciśnienie tętnicze czy cukrzyca.12

Leki obniżające poziom lipidów

Statyny są najczęściej przepisywanymi lekami w terapii miażdżycy i stanowią pierwszą linię leczenia.1 Działanie przeciwmiażdżycowe statyn obejmuje zarówno silne właściwości obniżające LDL-cholesterol, jak i liczne efekty plejotropowe, w tym zwiększenie biodostępności tlenku azotu, złagodzenie dysfunkcji śródbłonka, działanie przeciwzapalne, immunomodulacyjne i przeciwutleniające, stabilizację blaszek miażdżycowych oraz hamowanie przerostu serca.1

Leki obniżające poziom cholesterolu mogą nie tylko spowolnić, ale nawet odwrócić skutki miażdżycy. Badania sugerują, że obniżenie poziomu LDL-cholesterolu do bardzo niskich wartości może prowadzić do regresji zmian miażdżycowych.12 Wytyczne z 2013 roku AHA/ACC zalecają stosowanie zmodyfikowanego kalkulatora do oszacowania ryzyka rozwoju pierwszego zdarzenia sercowo-naczyniowego na tle miażdżycy (ASCVD).1

Inne leki obniżające poziom lipidów to:

  • Fibraty – skuteczne u pacjentów z umiarkowanym do wysokiego ryzykiem sercowo-naczyniowym, głównie z hipertriglicerydemią i niskim poziomem HDL1
  • Inhibitory wchłaniania cholesterolu (ezetymib) – działają poprzez blokowanie białka NPC1L1 w rąbku szczoteczkowym jelita cienkiego1
  • Inhibitory PCSK9 (ewolokumab, alirokumab) – znacząco obniżają poziom LDL-cholesterolu poprzez zwiększenie liczby dostępnych receptorów LDL1
  • Inklizyran – nowy lek należący do klasy małych interferujących RNA (siRNA), ukierunkowany na geny związane z metabolizmem cholesterolu12
Leki przeciwpłytkowe i przeciwzakrzepowe

Leki przeciwpłytkowe są niezbędne w leczeniu miażdżycy, ponieważ większość powikłań wynika z pęknięcia lub rozerwania blaszki miażdżycowej, prowadzącego do aktywacji płytek krwi i zakrzepicy.1 Do najczęściej stosowanych należą:

  • Kwas acetylosalicylowy (aspiryna) – pomaga rozrzedzić krew i zapobiegać tworzeniu się zakrzepów. Codzienna terapia małymi dawkami aspiryny może być zalecana w pierwotnej profilaktyce zawału serca lub udaru mózgu u określonych osób1
  • Klopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), tikagrelor (Brilinta) – działają, zapobiegając tworzeniu się zakrzepów, szczególnie po implantacji stentu1

Wytyczne ACC/AHA z 2007 roku zalecają, aby po ostrym zespole wieńcowym wszyscy pacjenci otrzymywali podwójną terapię przeciwpłytkową, najlepiej przez 12 miesięcy, a następnie dożywotnią terapię aspiryną.1

Leki obniżające ciśnienie tętnicze

Leki obniżające ciśnienie krwi nie pomagają odwrócić miażdżycy, ale zapobiegają lub leczą powikłania związane z chorobą.1 Do tej grupy należą:

  • Inhibitory konwertazy angiotensyny (ACE) i antagoniści receptora angiotensyny II – hamują wpływ angiotensyny na dysfunkcję śródbłonka i stan zapalny1
  • Beta-blokery – pomagają obniżyć ciśnienie krwi i zmniejszyć obciążenie serca1
  • Blokery kanału wapniowego – skuteczne w leczeniu dławicy piersiowej1
Leki przeciwzapalne i inne

Terapie ukierunkowane na mechanizmy zapalne zyskują coraz większe znaczenie w leczeniu miażdżycy. Badania kliniczne oceniające terapie kanakinumabem i kolchicyną w chorobie sercowo-naczyniowej na tle miażdżycy dostarczyły dowodów na korzyści związane z terapeutycznym ukierunkowaniem na układ odpornościowy w miażdżycy.1

Inne leki stosowane w terapii miażdżycy to:

  • Ranolazyna – skuteczna w leczeniu dławicy piersiowej1
  • Leki przeciwcukrzycowe (np. metformina) – wykazują korzystne działanie na miażdżycę poprzez różne mechanizmy1

Warto zaznaczyć, że pomimo znacznego postępu w badaniach nad miażdżycą, obecne terapie są niewystarczające do skutecznego leczenia tej choroby. Szacuje się, że dostępne obecnie leki nie mogą zapobiec występowaniu nawet 70% zdarzeń klinicznych.1

Zabiegi inwazyjne i chirurgiczne

Jeśli miażdżyca powoduje poważne zwężenie tętnicy lub gdy objawy nie reagują odpowiednio na leczenie farmakologiczne, może być konieczny zabieg lub operacja.21 Techniki rewaskularyzacji dla objawowych lub wywołujących niedokrwienie zmian miażdżycowych obejmują podejścia przezskórne i operacje otwartego serca.1

Zabiegi przezskórne

Angioplastyka i implantacja stentu, znana również jako przezskórna interwencja wieńcowa (PCI), to zabieg pomagający otworzyć zatkane lub zwężone tętnice.2 Podczas tego zabiegu chirurg wprowadza długą, elastyczną rurkę, zwaną cewnikiem, do tętnicy serca. Cewnik z końcówką balonową naciska blaszkę miażdżycową na ścianę tętnicy, zwiększając przepływ krwi.1

Stenty są małymi rurkami umieszczanymi wewnątrz tętnicy, które utrzymują ją otwartą dla przepływu krwi.1 Nowsze stenty wykorzystują cienką powłokę polimerową na zewnętrznej powierzchni metalowej rurki, co zmniejsza prawdopodobieństwo zapalenia.1 Yale Medicine uczestniczy obecnie w badaniu klinicznym biodegradowalnego stentu, który otwiera tętnicę, a następnie rozpuszcza się, pozostawiając tętnicę otwartą.2

Aterektomia to zabieg, w którym używa się ostrza lub lasera w połączeniu z cewnikiem do usunięcia nagromadzonej blaszki miażdżycowej w naczyniu krwionośnym.1

Zabiegi chirurgiczne

Pomostowanie tętnic wieńcowych (CABG, ang. coronary artery bypass grafting) to najczęściej wykonywana operacja pomostowania. CABG może przynieść ulgę w bólu w klatce piersiowej spowodowanym miażdżycą oraz zwiększyć przeżywalność u osób z cukrzycą lub z wieloma lub poważnie zwężonymi tętnicami wieńcowymi.1 Podczas tego zabiegu chirurg bierze zdrowe naczynie krwionośne z innej części ciała i tworzy nową drogę dla krwi w sercu.2

CABG jest najlepszym leczeniem wydłużającym życie u pacjentów z wieloma poważnymi zwężeniami. Wykazano, że CABG wydłuża życie pacjentów z kilkoma wzorcami poważnych zwężeń i jest wyraźnie lepszy od stentowania w tych przypadkach. Nie wykazano, aby stentowanie pomagało ludziom żyć dłużej.2

Endarterektomia to operacja usunięcia blaszki miażdżycowej ze ścian zwężonej tętnicy.2 Endarterektomia szyjna usuwa złogi miażdżycowe z tętnic szyjnych w szyi, otwiera tętnice i poprawia przepływ krwi do mózgu, co może pomóc zapobiec udarowi.1

Zarówno CABG, jak i stentowanie zapewniają prawie całkowite złagodzenie dławicy piersiowej w ponad 90% przypadków. Jednak dławica często powraca z czasem, co może prowadzić do przyszłych zabiegów.1

Nowe metody leczenia

Pomimo dostępnych obecnie opcji terapeutycznych, istnieje potrzeba opracowania bardziej skutecznych metod leczenia miażdżycy. Obiecujące wydają się być następujące kierunki badań:

Terapie oparte na kwasach nukleinowych

Terapeutyki oparte na RNA, takie jak antysensowne oligonukleotydy (ASO) i małe interferujące RNA (siRNA), są opracowywane do leczenia czynników ryzyka związanych z miażdżycą. Badania kliniczne, szczególnie z ASO i siRNA skierowanymi do wątroby, celującymi w metabolizm cholesterolu i lipoprotein, wykazały obiecujące wyniki.1

Przykłady tych terapii to:

  • Mipomersen – ASO przeciwko ApoB, zatwierdzony przez FDA dla pacjentów z rodzinną hipercholesterolemią (FH) od 2013 roku1
  • Inklizyran – koniugat GalNAc-siRNA przeciwko PSCK9, badany w kilku badaniach klinicznych fazy III2
  • Wolanesorsena – ASO redukujący apoC-III, co wywołuje znaczny spadek trójglicerydów w osoczu u pacjentów z hipertriglicerydemią3
Terapia fotodynamiczna

Terapia fotodynamiczna (PDT) to technika, która może być stosowana w leczeniu różnych chorób, w tym miażdżycy.1 Polega na strategicznym podaniu fotouczulacza, molekularnego wysłannika zaprojektowanego z precyzją, aby selektywnie gromadzić się w blaszkach miażdżycowych.1

Główną zaletą PDT jest zdolność do selektywnego celowania w zmiany miażdżycowe przy jednoczesnym oszczędzaniu zdrowych tkanek. Chociaż badania przedkliniczne wykazały zachęcające wyniki, konieczne są dalsze badania i próby kliniczne w celu dopracowania techniki, optymalizacji protokołów leczenia i oceny długoterminowego bezpieczeństwa i skuteczności.1

Terapia komórkowa i regeneracyjna

Terapia komórkowa stanowi innowacyjne podejście do leczenia miażdżycy.1 Mezenchymalne komórki macierzyste (MSC) są uważane za obiecującą alternatywną opcję terapeutyczną ze względu na ich właściwości:

  • Zwiększają stabilność blaszek miażdżycowych i zmniejszają ryzyko poważnego przebiegu choroby1
  • Mogą dostarczać do obszaru docelowego i rozpoczynać proces regeneracji1
  • Pomagają zastąpić martwe kardiomiocyty funkcjonalnie zintegrowanymi komórkami sercowymi i śródbłonkowymi naczyń1

Terapia komórkami macierzystymi w chorobie serca może poprawić przepływ krwi do serca i odwrócić zwapnienie tętnic wieńcowych.1

Terapie przeciwzapalne

Badania nad przeciwzapalnymi metodami leczenia miażdżycy obejmują:

  • Kolchicyna – szeroko dostępny i tani lek o różnych właściwościach przeciwzapalnych, blokujący inflamosom NLRP31
  • Inhibitory MAPK (np. Losmapimod) – celujące w szlaki zapalne związane z miażdżycą1
  • Inklakumab – rekombinowane przeciwciało monoklonalne przeciwko P-selektynie2
  • Terapie ukierunkowane na cytokiny – badane jako strategia tłumienia zapalenia w miażdżycy1
Nanocząsteczki i systemy dostarczania leków

Opracowano nowy system dostarczania leków pochodzący z nanocząstek pokrytych błoną makrofagów reagujących na reaktywne formy tlenu (MM-NPs) do leczenia miażdżycy.1 Synergistyczne efekty farmakoterapii i sekwestracji cytokin zapalnych z takiego biomimetycznego systemu dostarczania leków prowadzą do poprawy skuteczności terapeutycznej w miażdżycy.1

Algorytmy leczenia miażdżycy

Grupa Robocza ds. Innowacji w Prewencji Amerykańskiego Kolegium Kardiologicznego wprowadziła Algorytmy Leczenia Miażdżycy. Algorytmy te dostarczają spersonalizowanych zaleceń dotyczących interwencji medycznych opartych na połączeniu ilościowej oceny obciążenia blaszkami miażdżycowymi w angiografii tomografii komputerowej tętnic wieńcowych (CCTA) i tradycyjnych czynników ryzyka sercowo-naczyniowego z istniejących wytycznych klinicznych.1

Algorytmy Leczenia Miażdżycy wykorzystują system stopniowania miażdżycy do klasyfikacji choroby według obciążenia chorobą. Jest to pierwsza ścieżka leczenia zapobiegająca zawałom serca, która bezpośrednio łączy nasilenie i progresję blaszki miażdżycowej ze spersonalizowanymi zaleceniami dotyczącymi wyboru terapii i jej zmian.1

Algorytmy leczenia mają zweryfikować swoją skuteczność poprzez randomizowane badania kliniczne i obserwacyjne badania kohortowe.2

Profilaktyka miażdżycy

Miażdżyca może być leczona, a zdrowe nawyki życiowe mogą pomóc zapobiec jej rozwojowi.1 Te same zdrowe zmiany stylu życia zalecane do leczenia miażdżycy pomagają również jej zapobiegać. Obejmują one:2

  • Niepalenie tytoniu i nieużywanie wyrobów tytoniowych
  • Spożywanie pożywnych pokarmów
  • Regularne ćwiczenia i aktywny tryb życia
  • Utrzymywanie zdrowej wagi
  • Kontrolowanie ciśnienia krwi, poziomu cukru we krwi i cholesterolu

Podsumowanie skuteczności leczenia

Miażdżyca nie może być całkowicie wyleczona, ale może być skutecznie kontrolowana. Wczesna interwencja ma kluczowe znaczenie w opanowaniu objawów i zmniejszeniu potencjału wystąpienia poważnych zdarzeń sercowo-naczyniowych.1 Badania sugerują, że możliwe jest odwrócenie lub wyleczenie miażdżycy, szczególnie we wczesnych stadiach. Normalna funkcja i struktura naczyń krwionośnych może być przywrócona u niektórych osób poprzez kontrolowanie głównych czynników ryzyka miażdżycy (palenie, nadciśnienie tętnicze, cukrzyca i wysoki poziom cholesterolu) oraz przyjmowanie leków w celu osiągnięcia bardzo niskiego poziomu „złego” cholesterolu LDL.1

Warto podkreślić, że najbardziej skuteczne podejścia lecznicze łączą różne strategie terapeutyczne. Dla tych metod, które wykazały największe powodzenie, przyjęcie bardziej agresywnych strategii leczenia kombinowanego, stosowanego codziennie i bezterminowo, generalnie dawało lepsze wyniki, zarówno przed, jak i zwłaszcza po wystąpieniu objawów u pacjentów.1

Kolejne rozdziały

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  1. 09.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350575
    Treatment of atherosclerosis may include: […] For some people, lifestyle changes may be the only treatment needed for atherosclerosis. […] Many different medicines can slow or even reverse the effects of atherosclerosis. Medicines to treat atherosclerosis may include: […] Statins and other cholesterol medicines. These medicines can help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also called the „bad” cholesterol. The medicines also can reduce plaque buildup. Some cholesterol medicines even can reverse the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. […] Aspirin helps thin the blood and prevent blood clots. Daily low-dose aspirin therapy may be recommended for the primary prevention of heart attack or stroke in certain people. […] Medicines to lower blood pressure don’t help reverse atherosclerosis. Instead they prevent or treat complications related to the disease.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16753-atherosclerosis-arterial-disease
    Atherosclerosis treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications, procedures or surgeries. Depending on the location of your atherosclerosis, you may see a cardiologist (heart), nephrologist (kidneys), neurologist (brain and spine) or vascular surgeon (blood vessels). […] Early diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis can help you avoid or delay complications. […] Lifestyle changes may lower your risk of complications. Your provider will create a plan specific to your needs. General tips include: Avoid all tobacco products (including smoking and vaping). Follow a heart-healthy eating plan like the Mediterranean diet. Build physical activity into your daily routine. […] Medications target risk factors for plaque buildup and may help slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Your provider may prescribe medications that lower your blood pressure or cholesterol, manage your blood sugar levels and prevent blood clots.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis – Cardiovascular Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis
    Several changes are beneficial: Less saturated fat, No trans fats, Fewer refined carbohydrates, More fruits and vegetables, More fiber, Moderate (if any) alcohol. […] Regular physical activity (eg, 30 to 45 minutes of walking, running, swimming, or cycling 3 to 5 times a week) reduces incidence of some risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes), coronary artery disease (eg, myocardial infarction), and death attributable to atherosclerosis in patients with and without previous ischemic events. […] Oral antiplatelet drugs are essential because most complications result from plaque fissure or rupture, leading to platelet activation and thrombosis. […] Statins primarily lower LDL cholesterol. Other potential beneficial effects include enhanced endothelial nitric oxide production, stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, reduced lipid accumulation in the arterial wall, and regression of plaques.
  • #1 Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350569
    Atherosclerosis can be treated. Healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent atherosclerosis. […] Early diagnosis and treatment can stop atherosclerosis from getting worse. Treatment may prevent a heart attack, stroke or another medical emergency. […] The same healthy lifestyle changes recommended to treat atherosclerosis also help prevent it. These lifestyle changes can help keep the arteries healthy: Do not smoke or use tobacco. Eat nutritious foods. Get regular exercise and keep an active lifestyle. Keep a healthy weight. Control blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis
    https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/heart-and-vascular-care/diseases-conditions/atherosclerosis/
    There are several options to treat this disease, including lifestyle changes, medications and medical or surgical procedures. […] Avoid alcohol. […] Avoid smoking. […] Eat a heart-healthy diet. […] Exercise under the directions of your doctor. […] If you’re overweight, talk to your doctor about weight loss options. […] Manage stress. […] Make and keep appointments to see your doctor for routine checkups and follow-up tests. […] Statins will help reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. […] Anticoagulants blood-thinners will help treat, prevent, and reduce blood clotting. […] Beta blockers will help reduce your blood pressure. […] Blood sugar medications will help regulate your blood glucose levels. […] Anti-inflammatory medications will help reduce inflammation and relief pain. […] Angioplasty […] Atherectomy […] Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) […] Endarterectomy.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis natural treatments and home remedies
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/atherosclerosis-natural-treatments
    It may be possible to treat atherosclerosis with natural remedies. These include consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, following the Mediterranean diet, getting enough physical activity, and more. […] Treatments are available to reduce atherosclerosis and prevent complications. […] Sometimes, treatment for atherosclerosis may include medication or a procedure to unblock the arteries. However, some people may benefit from natural treatments and home remedies. […] A 2020 review paper suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may stabilize vulnerable atherosclerosis plaque, reducing rupture. In some instances, it may help reverse atherosclerosis. […] Some evidence suggests it may regulate certain signaling molecules to reduce the development and progression of atherosclerosis. […] Research from 2021 involving a randomized controlled trial found that a Mediterranean diet high in extra virgin olive oil decreased atherosclerosis progression better than a low fat diet.
  • #1 Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Preventive Strategies, Treatment of Low HDL levels and High Triglyceride levels in Patients With Diabetes
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/153647-treatment
    The treatment goals for patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis are to relieve symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD) and to prevent future cardiac events, such as unstable angina, AMI, and death. […] The mainstays of pharmacologic therapy of angina include nitrates, beta-blockers, statins, PCSK-9 inhibitors, Ezetimibe, calcium-channel blockers, and ranolazine. […] The prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis requires control of the known modifiable risk factors for this disease. This includes therapeutic lifestyle changes and the medical treatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. […] High-risk subgroups, in particular, can be targeted for early intervention. […] The goals of therapy should include arresting atherosclerosis or even reversing its progression.
  • #1 Therapeutic Strategies and Chemoprevention of Atherosclerosis: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9025701/
    There is a need for effective preventive strategies and better therapeutic options for atherosclerosis. […] This review discusses mechanisms, clinical efficacy and limitations and current evidence for atherosclerosis therapy starting from classical pharmacotherapy (statins, fibrates and cholesterol absorption inhibitors) to emerging therapies (antibody-based therapeutics, cytokine-targeting therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, photodynamic therapy and theranostics). […] Current pharmacotherapy in atherosclerosis includes mainly lipid-lowering agents, namely statins, fibrates, cholesterol-absorption inhibitors and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) inhibitors. […] Statins are the most-commonly prescribed drugs, being first-line therapy for atherosclerosis and clinical management of the cardiovascular risk.
  • #1 Therapeutic Strategies and Chemoprevention of Atherosclerosis: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9025701/
    The atheroprotective activity of statins involves both potent LDLc-lowering properties and multiple non-lipid-related pleiotropic effects, including enhancement of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, alleviation of endothelial dysfunction, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant abilities, stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques and inhibition of cardiac hypertrophy. […] Fibrates are considered an effective therapeutic strategy in patients with moderate to high residual cardiovascular risk, mainly those with hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) values. […] Emerging therapies based on some cytokine-targeted agents (mainly, monoclonal antibodies) are also included in clinical practice. […] Another interesting emerging strategy is theranostics, which allows simultaneous treatment and imaging, promising an efficient approach to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
  • #1 Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Preventive Strategies, Treatment of Low HDL levels and High Triglyceride levels in Patients With Diabetes
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/153647-treatment
    Substantial evidence supports the use of statins in the secondary prevention of CAD, and the efficacy of statins has recently been extended to include primary prevention of CAD in patients with average cholesterol levels. […] Current guidelines recommend using statin therapy after CABG to keep LDL levels below 100 mg/dL. […] Statin therapy is also safe and can improve liver tests while reducing cardiovascular morbidity in patients with mild- to moderately-abnormal liver test results that may be attributable to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. […] The 2013 AHA/ACC guidelines also recommend use of a revised calculator to estimate the risk of developing a first atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event. […] A combination of low HDL levels and high triglyceride levels is frequently encountered in patients with diabetes and is often referred to as atherogenic dyslipidemia.
  • #1 Emerging Trends and Innovations in the Treatment and Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review towards Healthier Aging
    https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/16/8/1037
    The guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommended statin therapy as the primary intervention for individuals affected by atherosclerosis or those at a heightened risk of cardiovascular complications. […] Cholesterol absorption inhibitors like Ezetimibe act by targeting the Niemann–Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) protein within the small intestine’s brush border. This action obstructs the uptake of cholesterol from the diet, leading to decreased levels of LDL-C. For enhanced lowering of LDL-C, Ezetimibe is often used alongside statins. […] PCSK9 inhibitors represent a newer category of medications that significantly reduce LDL-C by targeting the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). This protein typically breaks down LDL receptors in the liver. By impeding PCSK9’s function, these drugs boost the number of available LDL receptors, which in turn accelerates the removal of LDL-C from the blood. PCSK9 inhibitors, like evolocumab, are pivotal in atherosclerosis management, especially when statins are insufficient.
  • #1 Emerging Trends and Innovations in the Treatment and Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review towards Healthier Aging
    https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/16/8/1037
    Inclisiran is a novel therapeutic agent that has shown promise in the treatment of atherosclerosis, particularly in reducing LDL-C levels. It belongs to a class of medications known as small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapies, which target specific genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. […] Antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors, are considered the cornerstones in preventing atherothrombotic events in atherosclerosis. […] Antihypertensive medications are widely used in the management of atherosclerosis, as high blood pressure is considered a critical risk factor for the development and progression of this disease. […] Anticoagulant medications play a vital role in managing atherosclerosis, particularly in the prevention of thrombotic events that can arise from atherosclerotic plaques.
  • #1 Treatments for Advanced Atherosclerosis: Coronary Bypass or Angiography and Stent
    https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/treatments-for-advanced-atherosclerosis
    Both CABG and stenting provide near-complete relief from angina more than 90% of the time. Angina often returns over time, though, which may lead to future procedures. […] After stenting or coronary bypass surgery, most people should take a daily regimen of anti-atherosclerosis medication that includes: A statin, to lower cholesterol levels, An aspirin, to prevent blood clots, Clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient), or ticagrelor (Brilinta) also work to prevent clots, especially if a stent is placed. They are normally taken for one month up to a year depending on the type of stent. […] After a procedure to open a blockage, it’s more important than ever to reduce risk factors for atherosclerosis.
  • #1 Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Preventive Strategies, Treatment of Low HDL levels and High Triglyceride levels in Patients With Diabetes
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/153647-treatment
    ACE inhibitors are effective blood pressure-reducing agents and affect the heart and vasculature through direct and other mechanisms. […] The 2007 ACC/AHA guidelines recommend that after an ACS, all patients should receive dual antiplatelet therapy, ideally for 12 months, followed by lifelong aspirin therapy. […] A number of agents have proven helpful for the treatment of angina. These include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and ranolazine. […] Hormone therapy has been found to be more risky than beneficial as a means of protecting postmenopausal women against CAD. […] Although inflammation is considered to be a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, antibiotic therapy does not appear to have a significant role in secondary prevention of this disorder.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis – Cardiovascular Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis
    ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers inhibit the contributions of angiotensin to endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. […] PCSK9 inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies that keep PCSK9 from attaching to LDL receptors, leading to increased recycling of these receptors to the plasma membrane leading to further clearance of plasma LDL cholesterol to the liver.
  • #1 Therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation and immunity in atherosclerosis: how to proceed? | Nature Reviews Cardiology
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41569-021-00668-4
    Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall, characterized by the formation of plaques containing lipid, connective tissue and immune cells in the intima of large and medium-sized arteries. […] Clinical trials assessing canakinumab and colchicine therapies in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease have provided proof-of-principle of the benefits associated with therapeutic targeting of the immune system in atherosclerosis. […] The immunosuppressive adverse effects associated with the systemic use of anti-inflammatory drugs can be minimized through targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs to the atherosclerotic plaque, defining the window of opportunity for treatment and identifying more specific targets for cardiovascular inflammation. […] Implementing immunophenotyping in clinical trials in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease will allow the identification of immune signatures and the selection of patients with the highest probability of deriving benefit from a specific therapy. […] Clinical stratification via novel risk factors and discovery of new surrogate markers of vascular inflammation are crucial for identifying new immunotherapeutic targets and their successful translation into the clinic.
  • #1 Emerging Trends and Innovations in the Treatment and Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review towards Healthier Aging
    https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/16/8/1037
    Antihyperglycemic drugs like metformin exert their beneficial effects on atherosclerosis through various mechanisms. […] Cytokines are a group of small, secreted proteins released by various cells in the body that are involved in the communication and interaction between cells in several signaling pathways. Given the involvement of cytokines in the inflammation process, targeting inflammatory cytokines as a strategy to suppress inflammation in atherosclerosis has been investigated. […] P-selectin is an adhesion molecule expressed on activated platelets and has a key role in atherosclerosis, as it binds to monocytes, neutrophils, and T-cells, enabling the first steps of leukocyte extravasation and accelerating plaque formation. […] Angiopoietin-like proteins (ANGPTL) are secretory glycoproteins that play an important role in angiogenesis and are composed of a family of eight proteins (ANGPTL 1–8).
  • #1 Therapeutic Strategies and Chemoprevention of Atherosclerosis: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9025701/
    Despite progress in understanding the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the development of effective therapeutic strategies is a challenging task that requires more research to attain its full potential. […] This review discusses current pharmacotherapy in atherosclerosis and explores the potential of some important emerging therapies (antibody-based therapeutics, cytokine-targeting therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, photodynamic therapy and theranostics) in terms of clinical translation. […] Future perspectives on preventive and therapeutic management of atherosclerosis and the design of tailored treatments are outlined. […] Despite considerable progress in atherosclerosis research, current therapies are insufficient to effectively treat this disease. […] It is appreciated that the currently available medicines cannot prevent the occurrence of even 70% of clinical events.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis – Treatment | NHLBI, NIH
    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/atherosclerosis/treatment
    If you have a diagnosis of atherosclerosis, work with your healthcare team to set up a treatment plan that works for you. Your plan will be based on your lifestyle, home and neighborhood environment, and culture. Your 10-year or lifetime risk assessment is a good way to start the conversation. […] Sometimes atherosclerosis can be reversed over time by following a heart-healthy lifestyle and taking medicines. […] Procedures and surgery may help people who have dangerous levels of plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart or elsewhere in the body. […] Medicines can help manage risk factors and treat atherosclerosis or its complications. Your provider may also prescribe medicines to treat other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, that can trigger plaque buildup or make it get worse.
  • #1 Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Preventive Strategies, Treatment of Low HDL levels and High Triglyceride levels in Patients With Diabetes
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/153647-treatment
    Revascularization therapies for symptomatic or ischemia-producing atherosclerotic lesions include percutaneous approaches and open heart surgery. […] Patients presenting with stable angina or ischemia after physiologic testing and who have undergone revascularization therapy, either in the form of PCI or CABG, benefit from adjuvant pharmacologic therapy and aggressive risk reduction.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis Treatments | UVA Health
    https://uvahealth.com/services/heart/atherosclerosis
    About half of Americans ages 45-84 have atherosclerosis but don’t know it. It’s important to know if you’re at risk. If not treated, atherosclerosis can lead to a heart attack or stroke. […] At UVA Health, you’ll find the following treatment options. […] If you have atherosclerosis, there are steps you can take to treat it. See your options for atherosclerosis treatment in this quick primer from UVA Health. […] Medication can lower your risk factors. They can help to: Stop blood clots from forming, Control blood pressure, Lower cholesterol, Improve blood flow through narrowed arteries. […] Your surgeon puts a long, flexible tube, called a catheter, into a heart artery. These procedures include: Balloon angioplasty: A balloon-tipped catheter presses plaque against the wall of the artery; increases blood flow, Stenting: A wire mesh tube keeps a damaged artery open, Atherectomy: Your surgeon cuts away and removes plaque so blood can flow more easily.
  • #1 Coronary Atherosclerosis Treatments > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine
    https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/coronary-atherosclerosis-treatments
    Treatments that remove blockages from the walls of the arteries to improve blood flow to the heart […] Medication or surgery (angioplasty) may be recommended […] However, treatment options can vary and it’s important to find a doctor who understands how to treat atherosclerosis at the root of the problem. […] Surgical treatment does not permanently solve a patients cardiac problems, even if the surgery is completely successful says Michael Cleman, MD, director of the Interventional Cardiology Program at Yale Medicine. […] If the stress test shows blockage in the arteries but the patient is not at high risk for complications, doctors prescribe medication as a first step. […] One common option, a stent, is simply a small tube placed inside an artery that keeps it open to blood flow. This procedure is called an angioplasty.
  • #1 Coronary Atherosclerosis Treatments > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine
    https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/coronary-atherosclerosis-treatments
    Coronary bypass is surgery that reroutes blood flow around the blocked arteries to veins where the blood can flow freely. […] Figuring out the best treatment for a specific patient requires measurements and conversation. […] Still, when it comes to atherosclerosis, reducing all possible risk factors is better than treating the condition itself. […] Though bypass surgery was the treatment of choice 25 years ago, Dr. Cleman says, these days, angioplasty has surpassed it. […] Newer stents use a thin polymer coating on the outside of the metal tube, which reduces the likelihood of inflammation. […] Yale Medicine is currently involved in a clinical trial of a biodegradable stent that opens the artery, then dissolves, leaving the artery open.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis Treatment Options | Temple Health
    https://www.templehealth.org/services/conditions/atherosclerosis/treatment-options
    The goal of atherosclerosis treatment is to slow (or possibly reverse) its progression and prevent serious consequences such as heart attack or stroke. […] More serious cases may require an interventional procedure using a catheter or surgery. […] There are several types of medications that can help prevent and manage atherosclerosis. […] If you have a large amount of plaque blocking the blood flow in your arteries, an interventional procedure or surgery may be necessary to clear it. […] Balloon angioplasty is used to open blocked coronary vessels. […] Atherectomy is a blade or laser that is used in combination with a catheter to clear out plaque build-up in a blood vessel. […] Bypass surgery is a common approach that surgeons use to create new routes through which blood can flow around blocked or narrowed arteries. […] Endarterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes plaque build-up from artery walls.
  • #1 Treatments for Advanced Atherosclerosis: Coronary Bypass or Angiography and Stent
    https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/treatments-for-advanced-atherosclerosis
    Drugs are usually the first choice of treatment, even in the late stages of atherosclerosis. Sometimes, though, more aggressive treatment is needed. […] Narrowed arteries can frequently be reopened with one of two treatments: stenting or bypass surgery. Because these atherosclerosis treatments come with risks, they are typically reserved for emergencies or when medications fail. […] Coronary artery bypass surgery — or CABG (pronounced „cabbage”) — is the most commonly performed bypass surgery. CABG can provide relief from chest pain caused by atherosclerosis. Bypass surgery also leads to increased survival in people with diabetes or with multiple or severely blocked coronary arteries. […] CABG is the best treatment for extending life in people with multiple severe blockages. CABG has been shown to extend life for patients with several patterns of severe blockages, and is clearly superior to stenting in these cases. Stenting has not been demonstrated to help people live longer.
  • #1 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/Surgeries-and-Procedures-for-Atherosclerosis.aspx
    Surgeries and procedures for atherosclerosis include Angioplasty, Stent placement, Coronary Artery Bypass surgery, Carotid artery surgery and Atherectomy. Such procedures may involve the use of medical devices such as stent and drug-eluting stent or a cardiac angioplasty or atherectomy device. […] Angioplasty is a procedure to open blocked or narrowed coronary (heart) arteries and can improve the blood flow to the heart, relieve chest pain, and possibly prevent a heart attack. […] Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a type of surgery – where arteries or veins from other areas in the body are used to bypass the narrowed coronary arteries. CABG can improve blood flow to your heart, relieve chest pain, and possibly prevent a heart attack. […] Carotid artery surgery removes plaque build-up from the carotid arteries in the neck, opens the arteries and improves blood flow to the brain. Carotid artery surgery can help prevent a stroke. […] DT-109 shows promise in treating atherosclerosis and liver disease. […] KLX mitigates atherosclerotic progression by preventing EndMT.
  • #1
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11883-020-0826-2
    Atherosclerosis is characterized by accumulation of lipids and chronic inflammation in medium size to large arteries. Recently, RNA-based antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are being developed, along with small molecule-based drugs and monoclonal antibodies, for the treatment of risk factors associated with atherosclerosis. […] Clinical trials especially with ASOs and siRNAs directed to liver, targeting cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism, have shown promising results. Additional research in larger patient cohorts is needed to fully evaluate the therapeutic potential of these new drugs. […] Nucleic acid therapeutics have been a promising novel tool in lipid lowering, through inhibition of function of a target gene, like proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9).
  • #1
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11883-020-0826-2
    Several targets to control lipoprotein metabolism with nucleic acid directed therapeutics have been developed. […] Mipomersen is ASO against ApoB. It has been approved by FDA for patients with familiar hypercholesterolemia (FH) since 2013. […] PCSK9 plays an important role in LDL homeostasis by binding into LDL receptor promoting its degradation and preventing its recycling to the hepatocyte membrane. […] Inclisiran, a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA against PSCK9, is studied in several phase III trials for evaluating its effects on cardiovascular outcomes and FH. […] Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) acts as an inhibitor of lipoprotein and endothelial lipases, increasing triglyceride (TG), LDL, and HDL levels. […] A phase II study proved that reduction of apoC-III by ASO volanesorsen triggered a significant drop in plasma TGs in patients with hypertriglycemia.
  • #1 Emerging Trends and Innovations in the Treatment and Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Review towards Healthier Aging
    https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/16/8/1037
    Atherosclerotic CVD can be caused by stable or unstable atherosclerotic plaque formation. […] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a technique that can be used for the treatment of several diseases including atherosclerosis. […] All the abovementioned emerging and targeted therapies hold a huge potential for identifying and developing novel pharmacological and diagnostic agents to effectively manage atherosclerosis and CVD. Further pre-clinical investigation and larger clinical trials of these agents focusing on cardiovascular outcomes are needed to better understand their role in the management of atherosclerotic CVD and to optimize their use in clinical practice.
  • #1 Photodynamic Therapy for Atherosclerosis
    https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/4/1958
    Atherosclerosis treatment involves lifestyle changes, medications to control risk factors, and in some cases, interventional procedures or surgery. Lifestyle modifications include a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. Medications such as statins, antiplatelet agents, and antihypertensives are commonly prescribed. Interventional procedures like angioplasty and stenting can open narrowed arteries, while surgeries like bypass surgery or endarterectomy may be considered in severe cases. Emerging therapies include immunotherapy, gene therapy, and innovative approaches like photodynamic therapy. Treatment is tailored based on individual factors, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring and adherence to minimize complications. […] In the ongoing quest for effective interventions, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a beacon of hope, leveraging light-sensitive compounds to selectively target and stabilize atherosclerotic plaques. The journey commences with the strategic administration of a photosensitizer, a molecular envoy designed with precision to selectively accumulate within atherosclerotic plaques. The photosensitizer’s choice hinges on its ability to distinguish between diseased and healthy tissues, marking the first step in PDT’s tailored approach.
  • #1 Photodynamic Therapy for Atherosclerosis
    https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/4/1958
    The key advantage of PDT lies in its ability to selectively target atherosclerotic lesions while sparing healthy tissues. This makes it a promising strategy for plaque-specific intervention. While preclinical studies have demonstrated encouraging results, ongoing research and clinical trials are necessary to further refine the technique, optimize treatment protocols, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy. The potential of PDT in combination with other therapeutic modalities adds to its versatility, offering a novel avenue for addressing atherosclerosis and its associated cardiovascular risks. […] The mechanism of PDT in atherosclerosis unfolds as a symphony of precision and selectivity. From the strategic deployment of photosensitizers to the choreography of ROS-induced cellular ablation and controlled inflammation, PDT navigates the complexities of atherosclerosis with finesse. As research progresses, the unraveling of these intricate processes promises to illuminate the path forward in the quest for effective and targeted atherosclerosis treatment.
  • #1 Treatment of atherosclerosis: innovative methods – MedTour
    https://medtour.help/disease/treatment-of-atherosclerosis-innovative-methods/
    Surgical treatment of atherosclerosis is indicated in severe cases, when the plaque completely or almost completely blocks the lumen of the artery. In this case, operations such as bypass surgery or atherectomy (plaque removal) are performed. […] Cell therapy represents an innovative approach to the treatment of this serious vascular pathology. […] Given these properties, mesenchymal stem cells are considered a promising alternative therapeutic option for the effective treatment of atherosclerosis. […] Regenerative therapy allows stem cells to deliver to the target area and start the recovery process. […] The therapeutic use of MSCs increases the stability of plaques and reduces the risk of a severe outcome of the disease. […] Thus, modern methods of treating atherosclerosis with stem cells make it possible to influence the mechanisms that underlie the development of this disease.
  • #1 Stem Cell Therapy for Heart Disease Atherosclerosis CAD IHD
    https://stemcellthailand.org/therapies/heart-disease-myocardial-ischemia-chd/
    Therapeutic cardiomyocyte regeneration using hematopoietic mesenchymal stem cells. Replace dead cardiomyocytes with functionally integrated cardiac and vascular endothelial cells. […] Adult stem cell therapy for artery blockage can be a good choice for those seeking a safe, non-surgical alternative cell therapy for heart failure and many cardiac diseases, including Chronic Ischemic Arteries and Heart Failure. […] Stem cell therapy for heart disease is not appropriate or effective for all cases. Patients who do not respond well to medications or have reached a severe stage of cardiac disease might also require surgery or combination therapy. Depending on the severity, coronary artery disease treatments using cardiopoietic stem cells might also be an option. […] Repairing the heart using stem cells offers patients a new alternative, non-surgical treatment option to improve cardiac function and blood flow to help reverse heart disease.
  • #1 Stem Cell Therapy for Heart Disease Atherosclerosis CAD IHD
    https://stemcellthailand.org/therapies/heart-disease-myocardial-ischemia-chd/
    The impact of enhanced stem cell therapies is better understood now than ever, and The Heart Regeneration Center offers a unique and effective cardiac regeneration protocol depending on patients needs. […] The stem cells are immune-system compatible and expanded from cardio-sphere-derived stem cells to help assist in replenishing/replacing damaged heart cells and reverse symptoms of atherosclerosis and heart disease. […] Stem cell therapy may reduce symptoms and repair or replace damaged heart function to improve the patients overall well-being and quality of life. […] Stem cell therapy for ischemic heart may improve blood flow to the heart and reverse coronary artery calcification. […] Our heart regeneration treatment protocols for artery atherosclerosis offer chronic heart failure patients a comprehensive treatment with mesenchymal stem cells and need to be performed in multiple stages to reverse coronary heart disease.
  • #1 Experimental Agents for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis: New Directio | JEP
    https://www.dovepress.com/experimental-agents-for-the-treatment-of-atherosclerosis-new-direction-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JEP
    The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) mediate inflammatory pathways that are associated with atherosclerosis such as the production of cytokines. The most studied mitogen-activated protein kinase is the p38 MAPK, utilizing the inhibitor Losmapimod. […] Colchicine is a widely available and low-cost therapeutic tool with various anti-inflammatory properties. Blocking the NLRP3 inflammasome, a cytosolic complex responsible for the production of interleukins IL-1b and IL-18, Colchicine is considered as a suitable treatment method for the prevention of atherosclerosis. […] Inclacumab is a recombinant monoclonal antibody against P-Selectin and has been suggested as a potential and meaningful treatment option for the decrease of myocardial damage after PCI in patients with NSTEMI, reducing troponin I (TnI) and in CK-MB levels. […] Finally, molecular imaging of atherosclerotic lesions constitutes a crucial experimental tool nowadays, providing a direct insight to the molecular pathway of atherosclerosis and its complications.
  • #1 Treatment of atherosclerosis by macrophage-biomimetic nanoparticles via targeted pharmacotherapy and sequestration of proinflammatory cytokines | Nature Communications
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-16439-7
    Considering the accumulation of macrophage and overproduction of ROS during the development of atherosclerosis, herein we developed a delivery system derived from macrophage membrane coated ROS-responsive NPs (MM-NPs) for the treatment of atherosclerosis. […] Thus, a thorough comparative study between MM-NPs and NPs/MAs was conducted for the treatment of atherosclerosis in vivo. […] The attenuation effects of AT loaded ROS-NPs (AT-NPs) and macrophage membrane coated AT-NPs (MM-AT-NPs) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and oxLDL induced macrophage inflammation and foam cell formation are, respectively, demonstrated. […] Collectively, these data demonstrated the ROS responsiveness of AT-NPs and MM-AT-NPs in vitro, as well as their attenuation effects on LPS induced inflammation and oxLDL induced foam cell formation from macrophage, suggesting a significant potential of these biomaterials for atherosclerosis therapy.
  • #1 Treatment of atherosclerosis by macrophage-biomimetic nanoparticles via targeted pharmacotherapy and sequestration of proinflammatory cytokines | Nature Communications
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-16439-7
    Vascular disease remains the leading cause of death and disability, the etiology of which often involves atherosclerosis. The current treatment of atherosclerosis by pharmacotherapy has limited therapeutic efficacy. Here we report a biomimetic drug delivery system derived from macrophage membrane coated ROS-responsive nanoparticles (NPs). […] The synergistic effects of pharmacotherapy and inflammatory cytokines sequestration from such a biomimetic drug delivery system lead to improved therapeutic efficacy in atherosclerosis. […] Treatment of established plaques may include medications to lower cholesterol, such as statins, or medications that decrease clotting, such as aspirin. However, only limited efficacy has been observed in clinics when the drugs are administered systemically, likely attributed to the rapid drug clearance and unsatisfactory accumulation at the arterial injury site.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis Treatment Algorithms for Heart Disease Evaluation
    https://cleerlyhealth.com/blog/atherosclerosis-treatment-algorithms
    Quantification of coronary artery disease (CAD) burden and atherosclerotic plaque type has been shown to be the strongest determinant of future risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). […] Instead, treatment decisions have been all too often based on indirect markers of atherosclerosis. […] In a recent expert consensus paper in The American Journal of Medicine, the Innovations in Prevention Working Group of the American College of Cardiology has introduced the Atherosclerosis Treatment Algorithms. These algorithms provide personalized recommendations for medical interventions based on the combination of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) quantification of atherosclerotic plaque burden and traditional cardiovascular risk factors from existing clinical guidelines. […] The Atherosclerosis Treatment Algorithms use an atherosclerosis staging system for classifying disease by disease burden, published for the first time earlier this year.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis Treatment Algorithms for Heart Disease Evaluation
    https://cleerlyhealth.com/blog/atherosclerosis-treatment-algorithms
    To the best of our knowledge, it is the first treatment pathway for heart attack prevention that directly links plaque severity and progression to personalized recommendations for therapy selection and therapy changes, respectively. […] Whats more, the treatment algorithms have been written specifically to account for comorbidities above and beyond atherosclerosis. […] In other words, the Atherosclerosis Treatment Algorithms are positioned to support personalized care pathways for patients based on their individual disease burden, comorbidities, and clinical risk factors. […] This approach is poised to shift cardiovascular care from a model of reactive response to one of preventive care and to help providers personalize treatment for millions of Americans every year. […] The treatment algorithms are not intended to serve as a replacement to practice guidelines or consensus statements, nor are they expected to be divorced from risk factor scoring. […] The ATAs are based on the combination of CCTA screenings and traditional cardiovascular risk factors from existing clinical guidelines and are planned to be validated through randomized trials and observational cohort studies.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis Treatment Melbourne: Find Effective Atherosclerosis Treatment in Melbourne!
    https://www.heartwest.com.au/atherosclerosistreatmentmelbourne/
    Atherosclerosis is a dangerous condition marked by the buildup of plaque in arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Immediate treatment is vital to prevent severe complications and enhance overall quality of life. […] Early intervention is also key in managing symptoms and reducing the potential for life-altering cardiovascular events, underscoring the critical importance of prompt detection and proactive treatment. […] Here are some common atherosclerosis treatment options: […] A key component of atherosclerosis management involves implementing crucial lifestyle changes: Embracing a heart-healthy diet forms the basis for combating this vascular condition. Regular physical exercise is paramount, promoting cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being. Equally important is the cessation of smoking in preventing further damage to the arteries and supporting the overall treatment plan.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis – Treatment | NHLBI, NIH
    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/atherosclerosis/treatment
    You may need a procedure, heart surgery, or another type of surgery to treat disease resulting from plaque buildup or to lower your risk of complications of atherosclerosis. […] Studies suggest that it is possible to reverse or cure atherosclerosis, especially in its early stages. Normal function and structure of blood vessels can be restored in some people by controlling the main risk factors for atherosclerosis (smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol) and taking medicines to achieve very low levels of „bad” LDL cholesterol.
  • #1 Atherosclerosis – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherosclerosis
    The key to the more effective approaches is to combine different treatment strategies. […] In addition, for those approaches, such as lipoprotein transport behaviors, which have been shown to produce the most success, adopting more aggressive combination treatment strategies taken daily and indefinitely has generally produced better results, both before and especially after people are symptomatic. […] Statin medications are widely prescribed for treating atherosclerosis. They have shown benefit in reducing cardiovascular disease and mortality in those with high cholesterol with few side effects. […] Secondary prevention therapy, which includes high-intensity statins and aspirin, is recommended by multi-society guidelines for all patients with a history of ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) to prevent the recurrence of coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, or peripheral arterial disease.
  • #2 Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350569
    Atherosclerosis can be treated. Healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent atherosclerosis. […] Early diagnosis and treatment can stop atherosclerosis from getting worse. Treatment may prevent a heart attack, stroke or another medical emergency. […] The same healthy lifestyle changes recommended to treat atherosclerosis also help prevent it. These lifestyle changes can help keep the arteries healthy: Do not smoke or use tobacco. Eat nutritious foods. Get regular exercise and keep an active lifestyle. Keep a healthy weight. Control blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
  • #2 Atherosclerosis natural treatments and home remedies
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/atherosclerosis-natural-treatments
    It may be possible to treat atherosclerosis with natural remedies. These include consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, following the Mediterranean diet, getting enough physical activity, and more. […] Treatments are available to reduce atherosclerosis and prevent complications. […] Sometimes, treatment for atherosclerosis may include medication or a procedure to unblock the arteries. However, some people may benefit from natural treatments and home remedies. […] A 2020 review paper suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may stabilize vulnerable atherosclerosis plaque, reducing rupture. In some instances, it may help reverse atherosclerosis. […] Some evidence suggests it may regulate certain signaling molecules to reduce the development and progression of atherosclerosis. […] Research from 2021 involving a randomized controlled trial found that a Mediterranean diet high in extra virgin olive oil decreased atherosclerosis progression better than a low fat diet.
  • #2 Atherosclerosis
    https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/heart-and-vascular-care/diseases-conditions/atherosclerosis/
    There are several options to treat this disease, including lifestyle changes, medications and medical or surgical procedures. […] Avoid alcohol. […] Avoid smoking. […] Eat a heart-healthy diet. […] Exercise under the directions of your doctor. […] If you’re overweight, talk to your doctor about weight loss options. […] Manage stress. […] Make and keep appointments to see your doctor for routine checkups and follow-up tests. […] Statins will help reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. […] Anticoagulants blood-thinners will help treat, prevent, and reduce blood clotting. […] Beta blockers will help reduce your blood pressure. […] Blood sugar medications will help regulate your blood glucose levels. […] Anti-inflammatory medications will help reduce inflammation and relief pain. […] Angioplasty […] Atherectomy […] Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) […] Endarterectomy.
  • #2 Therapeutic Strategies and Chemoprevention of Atherosclerosis: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9025701/
    There is a need for effective preventive strategies and better therapeutic options for atherosclerosis. […] This review discusses mechanisms, clinical efficacy and limitations and current evidence for atherosclerosis therapy starting from classical pharmacotherapy (statins, fibrates and cholesterol absorption inhibitors) to emerging therapies (antibody-based therapeutics, cytokine-targeting therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, photodynamic therapy and theranostics). […] Current pharmacotherapy in atherosclerosis includes mainly lipid-lowering agents, namely statins, fibrates, cholesterol-absorption inhibitors and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) inhibitors. […] Statins are the most-commonly prescribed drugs, being first-line therapy for atherosclerosis and clinical management of the cardiovascular risk.
  • #2 Atherosclerosis – Treatment | NHLBI, NIH
    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/atherosclerosis/treatment
    You may need a procedure, heart surgery, or another type of surgery to treat disease resulting from plaque buildup or to lower your risk of complications of atherosclerosis. […] Studies suggest that it is possible to reverse or cure atherosclerosis, especially in its early stages. Normal function and structure of blood vessels can be restored in some people by controlling the main risk factors for atherosclerosis (smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol) and taking medicines to achieve very low levels of „bad” LDL cholesterol.
  • #2
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11883-020-0826-2
    Several targets to control lipoprotein metabolism with nucleic acid directed therapeutics have been developed. […] Mipomersen is ASO against ApoB. It has been approved by FDA for patients with familiar hypercholesterolemia (FH) since 2013. […] PCSK9 plays an important role in LDL homeostasis by binding into LDL receptor promoting its degradation and preventing its recycling to the hepatocyte membrane. […] Inclisiran, a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA against PSCK9, is studied in several phase III trials for evaluating its effects on cardiovascular outcomes and FH. […] Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) acts as an inhibitor of lipoprotein and endothelial lipases, increasing triglyceride (TG), LDL, and HDL levels. […] A phase II study proved that reduction of apoC-III by ASO volanesorsen triggered a significant drop in plasma TGs in patients with hypertriglycemia.
  • #2 Arteriosclerosis / atherosclerosis – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350575
    Treatment of atherosclerosis may include: […] For some people, lifestyle changes may be the only treatment needed for atherosclerosis. […] Many different medicines can slow or even reverse the effects of atherosclerosis. Medicines to treat atherosclerosis may include: […] Statins and other cholesterol medicines. These medicines can help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also called the „bad” cholesterol. The medicines also can reduce plaque buildup. Some cholesterol medicines even can reverse the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. […] Aspirin helps thin the blood and prevent blood clots. Daily low-dose aspirin therapy may be recommended for the primary prevention of heart attack or stroke in certain people. […] Medicines to lower blood pressure don’t help reverse atherosclerosis. Instead they prevent or treat complications related to the disease.
  • #2 Coronary Atherosclerosis Treatments > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine
    https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/coronary-atherosclerosis-treatments
    Coronary bypass is surgery that reroutes blood flow around the blocked arteries to veins where the blood can flow freely. […] Figuring out the best treatment for a specific patient requires measurements and conversation. […] Still, when it comes to atherosclerosis, reducing all possible risk factors is better than treating the condition itself. […] Though bypass surgery was the treatment of choice 25 years ago, Dr. Cleman says, these days, angioplasty has surpassed it. […] Newer stents use a thin polymer coating on the outside of the metal tube, which reduces the likelihood of inflammation. […] Yale Medicine is currently involved in a clinical trial of a biodegradable stent that opens the artery, then dissolves, leaving the artery open.
  • #2 Treatments for Advanced Atherosclerosis: Coronary Bypass or Angiography and Stent
    https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/treatments-for-advanced-atherosclerosis
    Drugs are usually the first choice of treatment, even in the late stages of atherosclerosis. Sometimes, though, more aggressive treatment is needed. […] Narrowed arteries can frequently be reopened with one of two treatments: stenting or bypass surgery. Because these atherosclerosis treatments come with risks, they are typically reserved for emergencies or when medications fail. […] Coronary artery bypass surgery — or CABG (pronounced „cabbage”) — is the most commonly performed bypass surgery. CABG can provide relief from chest pain caused by atherosclerosis. Bypass surgery also leads to increased survival in people with diabetes or with multiple or severely blocked coronary arteries. […] CABG is the best treatment for extending life in people with multiple severe blockages. CABG has been shown to extend life for patients with several patterns of severe blockages, and is clearly superior to stenting in these cases. Stenting has not been demonstrated to help people live longer.
  • #2 Experimental Agents for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis: New Directio | JEP
    https://www.dovepress.com/experimental-agents-for-the-treatment-of-atherosclerosis-new-direction-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JEP
    The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) mediate inflammatory pathways that are associated with atherosclerosis such as the production of cytokines. The most studied mitogen-activated protein kinase is the p38 MAPK, utilizing the inhibitor Losmapimod. […] Colchicine is a widely available and low-cost therapeutic tool with various anti-inflammatory properties. Blocking the NLRP3 inflammasome, a cytosolic complex responsible for the production of interleukins IL-1b and IL-18, Colchicine is considered as a suitable treatment method for the prevention of atherosclerosis. […] Inclacumab is a recombinant monoclonal antibody against P-Selectin and has been suggested as a potential and meaningful treatment option for the decrease of myocardial damage after PCI in patients with NSTEMI, reducing troponin I (TnI) and in CK-MB levels. […] Finally, molecular imaging of atherosclerotic lesions constitutes a crucial experimental tool nowadays, providing a direct insight to the molecular pathway of atherosclerosis and its complications.
  • #2 Atherosclerosis Treatment Algorithms for Heart Disease Evaluation
    https://cleerlyhealth.com/blog/atherosclerosis-treatment-algorithms
    To the best of our knowledge, it is the first treatment pathway for heart attack prevention that directly links plaque severity and progression to personalized recommendations for therapy selection and therapy changes, respectively. […] Whats more, the treatment algorithms have been written specifically to account for comorbidities above and beyond atherosclerosis. […] In other words, the Atherosclerosis Treatment Algorithms are positioned to support personalized care pathways for patients based on their individual disease burden, comorbidities, and clinical risk factors. […] This approach is poised to shift cardiovascular care from a model of reactive response to one of preventive care and to help providers personalize treatment for millions of Americans every year. […] The treatment algorithms are not intended to serve as a replacement to practice guidelines or consensus statements, nor are they expected to be divorced from risk factor scoring. […] The ATAs are based on the combination of CCTA screenings and traditional cardiovascular risk factors from existing clinical guidelines and are planned to be validated through randomized trials and observational cohort studies.
  • #3 Atherosclerosis – Treatment | NHLBI, NIH
    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/atherosclerosis/treatment
    If you have a diagnosis of atherosclerosis, work with your healthcare team to set up a treatment plan that works for you. Your plan will be based on your lifestyle, home and neighborhood environment, and culture. Your 10-year or lifetime risk assessment is a good way to start the conversation. […] Sometimes atherosclerosis can be reversed over time by following a heart-healthy lifestyle and taking medicines. […] Procedures and surgery may help people who have dangerous levels of plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart or elsewhere in the body. […] Medicines can help manage risk factors and treat atherosclerosis or its complications. Your provider may also prescribe medicines to treat other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, that can trigger plaque buildup or make it get worse.
  • #3
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11883-020-0826-2
    Several targets to control lipoprotein metabolism with nucleic acid directed therapeutics have been developed. […] Mipomersen is ASO against ApoB. It has been approved by FDA for patients with familiar hypercholesterolemia (FH) since 2013. […] PCSK9 plays an important role in LDL homeostasis by binding into LDL receptor promoting its degradation and preventing its recycling to the hepatocyte membrane. […] Inclisiran, a GalNAc-conjugated siRNA against PSCK9, is studied in several phase III trials for evaluating its effects on cardiovascular outcomes and FH. […] Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) acts as an inhibitor of lipoprotein and endothelial lipases, increasing triglyceride (TG), LDL, and HDL levels. […] A phase II study proved that reduction of apoC-III by ASO volanesorsen triggered a significant drop in plasma TGs in patients with hypertriglycemia.