Drug delivery systems for cardiovascular ailments

Abstract This chapter archives the state of the art concerning crucial drug delivery strategies aiding in cardiovascular therapies, including their benefits and associated challenges. The aspects which govern vascular transport and cardiovascular drug targeting have been reviewed, both from configuration and flow perspectives. In addition, the role of extracellular vesicles and exosomes, as well as the suitability of ultrasound and microbubble-mediated delivery, has been discussed. Current advancements made in the nanomedicine domain, with relevant applications pertaining to diverse categories, have been collated and discussed. A special focus has been laid on the applications of aptamers in cardiovascular drug targeting, particularly with respect to conjugation with specific coagulation factors and proteins. It also captures the potential and promises of the next generation of targeted strategies, with an eye on the foreseeable future.