Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 10, 2026

A Sensitive and Specific Quantitation Method for Determination of Serum Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C by Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay
10:12

A Sensitive and Specific Quantitation Method for Determination of Serum Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C by Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay

Published on: August 8, 2013

C-reactive protein, cardiovascular risk factors and the association with myocardial infarction in men

C J Doggen1, R J Berckmans, A Sturk

  • 1Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Journal of Internal Medicine
|December 21, 2000
PubMed

Insights

High C-reactive protein levels are linked to myocardial infarction risk in men. However, this association is largely explained by other cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting it may not be causal.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker.
  • Elevated CRP levels have been observed in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between C-reactive protein levels and myocardial infarction (MI) in men.
  • To examine the relationship between CRP and cardiovascular risk factors.
  • To adjust MI risk for these associated factors.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted.
  • Included 560 male patients with a first myocardial infarction and 646 control subjects.

Main Results:

  • Patients with MI had significantly higher CRP levels than controls (2.2 vs. 1.7 mg L-1).
  • The highest CRP quintile showed an unadjusted 1.9-fold increased risk of MI.
  • After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors (lipids, blood pressure, etc.), the MI risk for the highest CRP quintile decreased to 1.3-fold.

Conclusions:

  • CRP levels predict MI risk in men, confirming previous findings.
  • The observed association between CRP and MI risk is substantially attenuated when adjusted for other cardiovascular risk factors.
  • The increased risk of MI associated with CRP is likely not causal but mediated by other established risk factors.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...