# Inflammatory hypothesis of atherogenesis: Will colchicine be added to the armamentarium in the prevention of coronary artery disease?

## TL;DR

This review explores how inflammation contributes to heart disease and whether colchicine can help reduce this risk.

## Contribution

The paper highlights new evidence supporting colchicine's role in reducing residual inflammatory risk in coronary disease.

## Key findings

- Chronic inflammation drives atherosclerosis progression.
- Colchicine may reduce residual risk via the NLRP3 pathway.
- Colchicine is safe, low-cost, and has a tolerable side effect profile.

## Abstract

Chronic inflammation promotes the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Despite aggressive risk reduction, patients with coronary artery disease have a significant residual risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death related in part to ongoing inflammation within coronary vasculature. In this review, we summarize the clinical trials that provide evidence for the inflammatory hypothesis of atherogenesis. Additionally, we describe studies suggesting colchicine may be able to reduce residual inflammatory risk via the NLRP3 pathway. Given its tolerable side effect profile, safety, and low cost, colchicine holds promise as an anti-inflammatory agent in primary and secondary prevention of coronary disease.