Immunomodulators in the treatment of atherosclerosis and other chronic heart diseases: prospects and risks

Abstract

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with chronic inflammation driving progression despite traditional lipidlowering and antiplatelet therapy, leaving substantial residual cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to systematically analyze immunomodulator efficacy and safety in treating atherosclerosis and chronic cardiac diseases, determining therapeutic potential and associated risks. Methods: A systematic search of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library identified 264 records. After removing 134 duplicates and screening 130 unique records, 74 studies (20 randomized controlled trials, 16 systematic reviews/meta-analyses, 22 prospective cohort studies, 9 retrospective analyses, and 7 experimental studies) were selected that met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis according to PRISMA 2020.