Polymeric nanoparticles as a next-generation platforms for cardiovascular disease management: A narrative review

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death worldwide and involve endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and tissue remodelling. Conventional pharmacotherapy can be limited by poor bioavailability, rapid clearance, non-specific distribution and dose-dependent toxicity. Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are being investigated as drug-delivery systems designed to protect bioactive compounds and support controlled release or local targeting. Natural and synthetic polymers can be used to encapsulate small molecules, nucleic acids, peptides and imaging probes, offering potential applications in treatment and diagnosis. Stimuli-responsive systems, hybrid materials and ligand-mediated targeting strategies are being studied for cardiovascular conditions, including atherosclerosis, myocardial ischaemia and thrombosis. Nevertheless, immunogenicity, formulation complexity, manufacturing reproducibility, regulatory requirements and variation in patient response remain obstacles to clinical translation. This narrative review considers the design, properties and proposed cardiovascular applications of PNPs, together with biological, physicochemical and translational limitations. Clinical benefits should not be inferred from preclinical evidence alone.