Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains one of the leading causes of death in the Western world. It is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up inside the arteries, restricting blood flow and potentially leading to heart attacks. Traditional treatments, such as stents and medications, have made significant progress, but new technologies are needed to address the complex biological processes that contribute to CAD. One of the most promising solutions is nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology offers innovative approaches to both the diagnosis and treatment of CAD. Nanoparticles can be engineered to deliver therapeutic agents—such as drugs or genes directly to the affected areas within the arteries. This targeted delivery increases the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing side effects in the rest of the body.
One major challenge in Coronary Artery Disease treatment is in-stent restenosis, the re-narrowing of arteries after a stent has been placed. Nanotechnology addresses this issue through the use of nanomaterial coatings on stents and controlled-release nanocarriers. These systems gradually deliver anti-inflammatory or anti-proliferative drugs, helping reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.
Beyond therapy, nanotechnology plays a growing role in diagnostics. Nanocarriers can transport imaging agents to specific regions within atherosclerotic plaques, enabling more accurate diagnosis and monitoring. This advancement allows clinicians to design personalized and timely treatment plans.
As research advances, nanotechnology is expected to complement and enhance current treatments for CAD. It improves drug efficiency, reduces post-surgical inflammation, and offers new ways to detect and treat the disease at earlier stages. Nanotechnology represents a significant step forward in the fight against heart disease, merging medicine, biology, and engineering for smarter cardiovascular care.