American College of Cardiology issues scientific statement on inflammation and cardiovascular disease

WASHINGTON (September 29, 2025) — The American College of Cardiology (ACC) released today its second Scientific Statement, Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). The statement emphasizes years of clinical and basic science research, confirming that inflammation is an important underlying contributor to several CVDs, including coronary artery disease and heart failure.

Key Points:

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an inexpensive and widely available blood test. While there has been debate within the medical community regarding the utility of hsCRP, this statement details the data confirming its value in clinical decision making in primary and secondary prevention.
• In patients with known CVD, hsCRP level is at least as predictive of future events as LDL cholesterol levels, even in patients treated with statin therapy.
• The important role of lifestyle interventions to reduce systemic inflammation is emphasized, including regular exercise (at least 150 minutes/week), Mediterranean or DASH Diet, and intake of omega-3 fatty acids, including two to three meals per week of fatty fish high in EPA and DHA.  This advice aligns with lifestyle management recommendations in the 2025 ACC/AHA High Blood Pressure Guideline

The statement was published in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology (link live at embargo lift).

To receive an embargoed copy of the statement, contact Olivia Walther at owalther@acc.org.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or connect on social media at @ACCinTouch.

The ACC’s JACC Journals rank among the top cardiovascular journals in the world for scientific impact. The flagship journal, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) — and specialty journals consisting of JACC: Advances, JACC: Asia, JACC: Basic to Translational Science, JACC: CardioOncology, JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging, JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, JACC: Case Reports, JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology and JACC: Heart Failure — pride themselves on publishing the top peer-reviewed research on all aspects of cardiovascular disease. Learn more at JACC.org.

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