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C-reactive protein as a cardiovascular risk factor: more than an epiphenomenon?

W K Lagrand1, C A Visser, W T Hermens

  • 1Departments of Cardiology, Pathology and Internal Medicine, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Circulation
|July 7, 1999
PubMed

Insights

High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels indicate increased cardiovascular risk. Further research into CRP

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are a potential independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • The precise mechanisms linking CRP to cardiovascular disease remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing studies and discuss potential explanations for the association between CRP and cardiovascular disease.
  • To propose a hypothesis regarding CRP's direct role in cardiovascular pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of available literature on CRP and cardiovascular disease.
  • Analysis of CRP levels in relation to cardiovascular events and outcomes.
  • Examination of CRP localization in cardiovascular tissues.

Main Results:

  • Elevated CRP levels within the upper normal range correlate with increased risk of cardiovascular events in healthy individuals and those with angina.
  • High CRP response post-myocardial infarction predicts poorer outcomes, independent of other risk factors.
  • CRP is found in infarcted myocardium with activated complement, suggesting a direct role.

Conclusions:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is confirmed as an independent cardiovascular risk factor.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of CRP's involvement may reveal novel strategies for cardiovascular event prevention.
Abstract

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