Inflammation has emerged as a critical contributor to the pathogenesis and clinical outcomes of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with growing evidence highlighting the prognostic relevance of residual inflammatory risk. Notably, residual inflammation measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) remains a strong predictor of recurrent cardiovascular events, supporting the case for more universal CRP screening. Despite advances such as interleukin‑6–targeted therapies, implementation remains limited, as clinicians are unlikely to treat what they do not routinely measure. Addressing current gaps in inflammatory risk assessment presents both a challenge and an opportunity to better personalize CVD prevention and treatment strategies.

In this interview, W. Douglas Weaver MD, MACC and Paul M. Ridker, MD, MPH, FACC discuss Inflammation in CVD: A 2025 ACC Scientific Statement.