Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a significant global health concern, as indicated by numerous studies [1]. Worldwide CVDs stand as the leading cause of death, contributing to approximately 31 % of all fatalities [2]. Predictions suggest that the prevalence of CVDs will continue to rise due to factors such as an aging population, urbanization, and shifts in lifestyle patterns [3]. These conditions impact individuals of both genders and exhibit variations in prevalence based on geographical location and race/ethnicity [4]. The onset of CVDs is influenced by a multitude of risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, age, physical inactivity, and obesity. Furthermore, genetic predisposition, family history, and environmental elements contribute to the development of these conditions [5]. CVDs encompass a range of categories, including coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, heart failure (HF), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and venous thromboembolism (VTE) Diagnosing CVDs involves a comprehensive approach, incorporating techniques such as echocardiography [6], electrocardiography (ECG) [7], computed tomography (CT) [8], and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [9]. Despite widespread recommendations for lifestyle changes to enhance cardiovascular health, treatment strategies encompass both medicinal and non-medicinal interventions [10]. Surgical procedures play a pivotal role in addressing specific cardiovascular diseases [11]. Pharmacotherapy constitutes a crucial element in CVD treatment, with various drug classes like anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and statins commonly employed [12]. However, these established treatments may have limitations, including adverse reactions [13]. Consequently, there is an ongoing demand for the development of more effective and safer therapeutic approaches to manage CVDs [14].

Magnetic drug delivery is a promising emerging technology that utilizes magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to precisely deliver drugs to specific target sites [15]. MNPs are a class of nanoparticles that exhibit magnetic behavior in response to magnetic fields. They encompass various magnetic compounds, including pure elements such as iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni), as well as their oxides, alloys, and composites. They consist of a core made of iron oxide, such as magnetite (Fe3O4) or maghemite (γ-Fe2O3), surrounded by a surface coating that can be either organic or inorganic [15]. MNPs possess distinctive physicochemical characteristics, including high surface area-to-volume ratio and superparamagnetism, the magnetic behavior exhibited by MNPs solely at the nanoscale. MNPs have a wide range of potential applications in biomedicine, encompassing drug delivery, magnetic hyperthermia, MRI, and biosensing [16]. In drug delivery applications, MNPs offer the advantage of targeted delivery to specific cells or tissues, thereby improving drug effectiveness and safety. Magnetic hyperthermia utilizes MNPs to generate heat when exposed to an external magnetic field, enabling selective destruction of cancer cells [17]. MNPs can serve as contrast agents in MRI to enhance the visualization of biological structures. Moreover, MNPs find utility in biosensing applications, facilitating the detection of biomolecules and monitoring cell behavior [18].

In this review paper, we explore the diverse applications of MNPs in both the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs. We provide insights into the different types of MNPs, their manufacturing processes, and various coating methods. The review then delves into the specific roles of MNPs in managing CVDs, showcasing their potential in advancing diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic applications.