New ACC Scientific Statement highlights inflammation in cardiovascular disease

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) released today its second Scientific Statement, Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). The statement emphasizes years of clinical and basic science research, confirming that inflammation is an important underlying contributor to several CVDs, including coronary artery disease and heart failure.

Key points:

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an inexpensive and widely available blood test. While there has been debate within the medical community regarding the utility of hsCRP, this statement details the data confirming its value in clinical decision making in primary and secondary prevention.
• In patients with known CVD, hsCRP level is at least as predictive of future events as LDL cholesterol levels, even in patients treated with statin therapy.
• The important role of lifestyle interventions to reduce systemic inflammation is emphasized, including regular exercise (at least 150 minutes/week), Mediterranean or DASH Diet, and intake of omega-3 fatty acids, including two to three meals per week of fatty fish high in EPA and DHA. This advice aligns with lifestyle management recommendations in the 2025 ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guideline

The statement was published in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology.