Advances in nanostructured drug delivery systems for cardiovascular therapeutics.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Nanoparticles have emerged as a promising tool due to their unique properties, including tunable size, high surface area, drug-loading capacity, and the ability to be functionalized for targeted delivery. Their potential in early detection, precise drug delivery, and localized therapy positions them as a transformative approach in CVD management. OBJECTIVES: This review explores the latest advancements in nanoparticle-based interventions for CVDs, focusing on their role in targeted drug delivery, diagnostic applications, and therapeutic efficacy. We highlight how engineered nanoparticles can improve specificity, reduce systemic side effects, and enhance treatment outcomes. METHODS: We examine preclinical and clinical studies on lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic nanoparticles optimized for CVD treatment. Their surface modifications, drug-release mechanisms, and targeting capabilities are analyzed, with particular attention to their applications in atherosclerosis, myocardial repair, and inflammation modulation. RESULTS: Functionalized nanoparticles demonstrate significant potential in CVD therapy by enabling site-specific drug delivery to atherosclerotic plaques, damaged cardiac tissue, and inflamed vasculature. Chemical and natural-based nanoparticles show enhanced therapeutic precision, with improved outcomes in drug bioavailability and reduced off-target effects. CONCLUSION: Nanotechnology is reshaping CVD treatment through advanced drug delivery systems that enhance precision and efficacy. By leveraging nanoparticle engineering, future therapies can achieve targeted, personalized interventions, offering new hope in combating CVDs.