Abstract：Inflammasomes are molecular platforms built around several proteins，composed of intracellular pattern-recognition receptors，the adaptor apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain（ASC）and caspase-1. The inflammasome was believed as the cellular machinery triggering the maturation of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β （IL-1β）to engage innate immune defenses. Several types of inflammasomes have been identified，and among them NLRP3 inflam? masome is currently the most fully characterized inflammasome. Recent studies showed that a variety of cardiovascular risk factors， including dyslipidemia，hypertension and kidney disease，hyperhomocysteinemia，obesity，diabetes and metabolic syndrome，can activate NLRP3 inflammasomes，process the maturation of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18，and promote atherosclerosis. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes was also associated with decreased stability of atherosclerotic plaque. These studies suggestedan important role of NLRP3 inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome at the stage of its assembling or activation may be a novel strategy for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.