Two in five heart failure and CKD patients show elevated cardiovascular inflammation

New findings from the POSEIDON real-world study reveal that cardiovascular inflammation remains a common issue for patients with cardiovascular disease, even when receiving standard treatments for cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

The study, presented at the 94th European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Congress in Athens, found that 42.7% of patients diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) had elevated levels of cardiovascular inflammation. This was measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels of 2 mg/L or higher. Additionally, a separate analysis published in the European Journal of Heart Failure indicated that two in five heart failure patients also showed elevated inflammatory risk.

Enrolling 18,904 patients across 18 countries between 2023 and 2025, the POSEIDON study is one of the largest contemporary assessments of cardiovascular inflammation in high-risk populations. Researchers concluded that persistent inflammation significantly contributes to cardiovascular risk, even in patients adhering to guideline-recommended therapies. "Cardiovascular inflammation represents a significant source of persistent risk in people living with ASCVD, CKD or heart failure despite standard treatment," stated Filip Knop, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Novo Nordisk.

Cardiovascular inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the progression of atherosclerotic disease and is linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. It also plays a crucial role in heart failure and kidney disease, particularly in individuals with obesity and other metabolic conditions. Professor Carolyn S.P. Lam of the National Heart Centre Singapore emphasized that the study underscores inflammation as a common risk factor across various patient groups and advocates for the development of therapies that directly target inflammation. Novo Nordisk also announced that results from a similar study on cardiovascular inflammation in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected in 2026.

“

Cardiovascular inflammation represents a significant source of persistent risk in people living with ASCVD, CKD or heart failure despite standard treatment.