COLCHICINE IN THE PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS: CURRENT EVIDENCE

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases remain among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite advances in the control of traditional risk factors and the treatment of atherosclerotic disease. Colchicine, traditionally used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, has anti-inflammatory properties that may interfere with different mechanisms involved in atherothrombosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the current clinical evidence regarding the use of colchicine in the prevention of cardiovascular events. A narrative literature review was conducted, with a search for articles published between 2021 and 2026 in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, using the descriptors “Colchicine” and “Cardiovascular Diseases.” The studies analyzed demonstrate that low-dose colchicine, particularly 0.5 mg daily, has the potential to reduce cardiovascular events in individuals with established atherosclerotic disease. More recent research has expanded the investigation to acute myocardial infarction, stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus, pericoronary inflammation, and cellular mechanisms. Despite favorable results, the benefits are not consistent across all outcomes and populations, requiring an individualized assessment of the risk-benefit profile. It is concluded that colchicine represents a promising strategy for reducing residual cardiovascular risk, particularly in secondary prevention.