The expanding role of peptides in cardiovascular care

Peptides have emerged as key regulators of cardiovascular physiology and increasingly important tools in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endogenous peptide systems, including natriuretic peptides (NPs), the renin angiotensin system (RAS), and vasopressin, play central roles in maintaining vascular tone, fluid balance, and cardiac remodeling, while their dysregulation contributes to disease progression. Clinically, peptide-based biomarkers such as NPs and copeptin are widely used for diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognostic assessment. Beyond their diagnostic utility, peptides have gained significant attention as therapeutic targets. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have demonstrated cardiometabolic benefits, including reductions in cardiovascular events and improvements in metabolic profiles. In parallel, advances in peptide engineering have enabled the development of innovative therapeutic strategies, including targeted drug delivery systems, regenerative therapies, and enzyme-responsive biomaterials designed to enhance myocardial repair. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biological, diagnostic, and therapeutic roles of peptides in cardiovascular medicine. Collectively, these findings highlight the expanding clinical relevance of peptides and their potential to support precision-based approaches in cardiovascular care.