Non-coding RNA in Cardiovascular Diseases and Therapeutic Potential

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a predominant cause of disability and death in the world, although much progress has been made in the clinical settings, such as angiotensin receptor blockades, statins, and antiplatelet drugs, to decrease the incidence of CVDs in past two decades. An estimated 17 million people died of CVDs every year, especially, for which age is a key risk factor. The aging heart possess the characteristic of some adverse changes, for instance, diastolic dysfunction, increased cardiac fibrosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, etc. A report from world health organization (WHO) reveals that high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids, tobacco use, physical inactivity, obesity, and unhealthy diets are the major risk factors, which could lead to approximately 75% of CVDs. Furthermore, impaired cardiovascular function often closely link to myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and dyslipidaemia. Enormous research effort has been directed in this field to identify underlying pathophysiological aspects of CVDs. Nevertheless, more mechanisms still need be investigated to enhance the development of efficient diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting CVDs.