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: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading global cause of death, accounting for more than 17.6 million
deaths per year in 2016, a number that is expected to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030. While many technologies are
currently under investigation to improve the therapeutic outcome of CVD complications, only few medications have been
approved. Therefore, new approaches to treat CVD are urgently required. Peptides regulate numerous physiological processes, mainly by binding to specific receptors and inducing a series of signals, neurotransmissions or the release of growth
factors. Importantly, peptides have also been shown to play an important role in the circulatory system both in physiological
and pathological conditions. Peptides, such as angiotensin II, endothelin, urotensin-II, urocortins, adrenomedullin and natriuretic peptides have been implicated in the control of vascular tone and blood pressure as well as in CVDs such as congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and pulmonary and systemic hypertension. Hence it is not
surprising that peptides are becoming important therapeutic leads in CVDs. This article will review the current knowledge
about peptides and their role in the circulatory system, focusing on the physiological roles of natriuretic peptides in the
cardiovascular system and their implications in CVDs.