Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The main pathology underlying CVD is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is now recognized as a chronic, low-grade inflammatory condition characterized by the deposition of lipids and the subsequent accumulation of T-cells and macrophages as a result of endothelial injury. Depending on the area affected, atherosclerosis manifests as acute myocardial infarction, stroke, or acute ischemia.

Epidemiological and clinical studies have shown strong and consistent relationships between markers of inflammation and the risk of future cardiovascular events. How inflammation contributes to CVD is a topic of continuous research where mechanisms involving both innate and adaptive immune pathways are involved. Endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells, macrophage accumulation, the formation of the inflammasome, and production of proinflammatory cytokines characterize the inflammatory process leading to atherogenesis and CVD. Previous studies have shown that inflammation induced by the innate and adaptive immune system has a critical role in the development and progression of CVD, although the mechanism by which these immune cells and their cytokines contribute to CVD is still unclear. Furthermore, many drugs commonly used in CVD, such as statins, may be effective in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events through anti-inflammatory action. Several anti-inflammatory drugs are also being tested for their potential to reduce cardiovascular risk. Hence, knowledge of the role of inflammation in the development of CVD has the potential to lead to significant clinical benefits.

The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together original research articles and review articles that expand our knowledge on the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of CVD. We hope that this Special Issue also highlights potential therapeutic strategies.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Basic molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating inflammation in cardiovascular diseases
• The interplay between inflammation and oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases
• Inflammatory markers in cardiovascular diseases
• Identification and validation of novel agents that modulate inflammatory responses in cardiovascular diseases
• Modulation of inflammation by drugs and phytochemicals in cardiovascular diseases