C-reactive protein and the severity of atherosclerosis in myocardial infarction patients with stable angina pectoris
M C Tataru1, J Heinrich, R Junker
1Herz- und Gefässklinik, Bad Neustadt/Saale, Germany.
European Heart Journal
|July 20, 2000
Summary
Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels correlate with the severity of atherosclerosis, including coronary heart disease. This finding supports CRP as a marker for inflammatory processes involved in the development of atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Inflammatory processes are increasingly recognized as crucial in atherosclerosis development.
- Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are observed in patients with various cardiovascular diseases compared to healthy individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma CRP concentration and the severity of coronary heart disease and generalized arteriopathy in myocardial infarction survivors.
- To explore the role of inflammation in atherogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Study included 1112 male and 299 female myocardial infarction survivors and a control group.
- Assessed CRP, fibrinogen, D-dimer, lipids, and severity of arteriosclerotic changes in multiple arterial beds.
- Coronary angiography was performed in myocardial infarction patients.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between CRP levels and the severity of atherosclerosis, from pre-clinical to clinically manifest stages.
- CRP concentrations increased progressively from controls to patients with increasing atherosclerosis.
- CRP levels were significantly associated with the degree of coronary heart disease detected by angiography.
Conclusions:
- Results support the hypothesis that inflammatory processes in the vessel wall are integral to atherogenesis.
- Findings suggest a causal link between acute phase reactions, indicated by CRP, and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in the coronary and peripheral arteries.
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