Related Experiment Videos

Parameters of inflammation and infection in a community based case-control study of coronary heart disease

J De Backer1, R Mak, D De Bacquer

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.

Atherosclerosis
|February 19, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is linked to higher inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), independent of other risk factors. No link was found between these inflammation markers and common infectious agents in men with CHD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Systemic inflammatory markers are associated with coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • The role of confounding factors, such as coronary risk factors and chronic infections, in this association is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in inflammatory markers (CRP, SAA, fibrinogen) and infectious agent serostatus between men with stable CHD and controls, independent of traditional risk factors.
  • To examine the relationship between inflammatory markers and serostatus for four infectious agents (H. pylori, C. pneumoniae, CMV, EBV) in CHD patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • A large-scale epidemiologic survey compared 446 men with CHD history to 892 matched controls.
  • Measurements included inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, fibrinogen, SAA) and antibodies against H. pylori, C. pneumoniae, CMV, and EBV, alongside classical coronary risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Univariate analysis showed higher CRP, fibrinogen, and SAA in CHD cases, but no differences in infectious agent serostatus.
  • Multivariate analysis confirmed significantly higher CRP in CHD cases, independent of other risk factors and medications.
  • No association was found between inflammatory biomarkers and serostatus for any of the four infectious agents.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are independently associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) in working men.
  • No link exists between inflammatory biomarkers and serostatus for H. pylori, C. pneumoniae, CMV, or EBV in this population.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...