Colchicine in Cardiovascular Disease: In-Depth Review

Inflammation plays a prominent role in the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases, and anti-inflammatory agents may improve cardiovascular outcomes. For years, colchicine has been used as a safe and well-tolerated agent in diseases such as gout and familial Mediterranean fever. The widely available therapeutic has several anti-inflammatory effects, however, that have proven effective in a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases as well. It is considered standard-of-care therapy for pericarditis, and several clinical trials have evaluated its role in postoperative and postablation atrial fibrillation, postpericardiotomy syndrome, coronary artery disease, percutaneous coronary interventions, and cerebrovascular disease. We aim to summarize colchicine's pharmacodynamics and the mechanism behind its anti-inflammatory effect, outline thus far accumulated evidence on treatment with colchicine in cardiovascular disease, and present ongoing randomized clinical trials. We also emphasize real-world clinical implications that should be considered on the basis of the merits and limitations of completed trials. Altogether, colchicine's simplicity, low cost, and effectiveness may provide an important addition to other standard cardiovascular therapies. Ongoing studies will address complementary questions pertaining to the use of low-dose colchicine for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Automated summary

Inflammation is a crucial factor in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, and anti-inflammatory medications can lead to better cardiovascular outcomes. Colchicine, a commonly available treatment for diseases like gout, has proven to have anti-inflammatory effects that are effective in treating a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. This article aims to summarize the pharmacodynamics of colchicine, its anti-inflammatory mechanism, evidence from clinical trials on its effectiveness in cardiovascular disease treatment, and ongoing studies. The article highlights the real-world implications of colchicine and its potential as a cost-effective addition to standard cardiovascular therapies.