The impact of colchicine on patients with acute and chronic coronary artery disease

Inflammation plays a central role in coronary artery disease (CAD), and recent data have shown that anti-inflammatory drugs have the potential to reduce ischemic events in CAD patients. Colchicine is an ancient anti-inflammatory drug that targets neutrophil and inflammasome activities. It has been prescribed for decades for different rheumatological conditions. Given the important role of inflammation in the development of cardiovascular disease, there has been considerable interest in studying colchicine's potential to limit the progression of atherosclerosis among afflicted patients. In fact, there is a growing body of randomized data suggesting that use of low-dose colchicine reduces the risk of ischemic events in patients with CAD, particularly repeated revascularizations, new myocardial infarctions and strokes. This review article summarizes background information—including possible side effects and contraindications—as well as the current evidence backing up the use of colchicine in patients with established CAD.