Cardiovascular Medicine: New Drug Developments for Complex Cardiovascular Diseases and Cardiovascular Imaging View PDF

Eliz Joseph
Medicine, West China Medical Center, Sichuan, China
^*Priyanka Kadari
Medicine, MediCiti Institute Of Medical Sciences, Ghanpur, Telangana, India
Enukonda Venkatesh
Medicine, KonaSeema Institute Of Medical Sciences & Research Foundation, Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India

^*Corresponding Author:

Priyanka Kadari
Medicine, MediCiti Institute Of Medical Sciences, Ghanpur, Telangana, India

Published on: 2025-03-31

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with complex pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to their progression. Traditional therapeutic approaches, while effective in many cases, are often insufficient for treating the more intricate and multifactorial forms of CVDs. In recent years, significant strides have been made in the development of novel drugs aimed at addressing these complex CV conditions. These new treatments are being designed to target specific molecular pathways, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, which play key roles in diseases like atherosclerosis, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Additionally, emerging drug classes, including gene therapies and biologics, are offering promising new strategies for managing patients with advanced or refractory CVDs, paving the way for more personalized and effective interventions

Keywords

Cardiovascular diseases, New drug developments, Complex cardiovascular conditions, Targeted therapies, Personalized medicine

Introduction

CVDs

CVDs remain the leading cause of death globally, accounting for a significant portion of mortality across various regions (Figure 1). CVDs claimed an estimated 17.9 million lives in 2019, which accounted for 32% of all global deaths. Of these fatalities, a significant 85% were caused by heart attacks and strokes. These alarming statistics highlight the critical impact of CVDs on public health. A disproportionate number of CVD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with over three-quarters of fatalities taking place in these regions. Additionally, among the 17 million premature deaths (under 70 years of age) from noncommunicable diseases in 2019, 38% were attributed to CV conditions, underscoring the urgent need for effective prevention and intervention strategies [2].

In high-income countries, CVDs mortality rates have declined by up to 60% over the last 60 years due to advances in prevention and treatment. Conversely, low- and middle-income countries have seen a 15% increase in CVD death rates over the past 20 years, highlighting a growing health challenge in these regions [3]. In Europe, CVD accounts for over 3 million deaths annually, with a higher proportion of deaths occurring in middle-income countries compared to high-income countries [4]. In Brazil, CVDs remain a significant health concern, with ongoing efforts to compile and analyze epidemiological data to inform public health strategies [5, 6]. The burden of CVD is notably higher in middle-income countries within the European Society of Cardiology member states, where disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to CVD are nearly four times higher than in high-income countries [7].

Many CVDs can be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, obesity, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, and exposure to air pollution. Early detection of CVD is crucial to enable timely management through counselling and medication, helping to reduce the burden of these diseases and improve patient outcomes [2]. The statistics surrounding CVDs highlight disparities in healthcare access, economic burden, and mortality rates between high-income and low- to middle-income countries. These disparities are influenced by a range of factors, including socioeconomic status, healthcare infrastructure, and prevalent risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and obesity.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in CVD mortality rates, reversing a decade of progress in reducing these rates. From 2020 - 2022, there were 228,524 excess CVD deaths in the United States alone [8]. Individuals with underlying CVD comorbidities who contracted COVID-19 faced worse outcomes, further highlighting the need for effective management and prevention strategies [9]. While the global burden of CVDs remains substantial, there are ongoing efforts to address these challenges through public health interventions and healthcare improvements. However, the disparities between highincome and low- to middle-income countries underscore the need for targeted actions to reduce the CVD burden, particularly in regions where healthcare resources are limited.