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Inflammation and atherosclerosis: the value of the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein assay as a risk marker

I Jialal1, S Devaraj

  • 1Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX 75390-9073, USA.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|May 8, 2002
PubMed

Insights

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) effectively predicts cardiovascular events and mortality. hsCRP is a valuable adjunctive tool for primary cardiovascular disease prevention, especially in high-risk groups.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiology
  • Inflammation Markers

Background:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key inflammation marker.
  • High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) is established as a predictor of cardiovascular events (CVEs) in healthy populations.
  • Elevated hsCRP is observed in smokers, individuals with metabolic syndrome, and the elderly, correlating with increased CVEs and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the predictive value of hsCRP for cardiovascular events and mortality.
  • To assess the role of hsCRP as a risk marker in various populations and clinical settings.
  • To determine the utility of hsCRP in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective studies in healthy volunteers were reviewed.
  • Observational data on hsCRP levels in specific populations (smokers, metabolic syndrome, elderly) were analyzed.
  • The association between hsCRP levels and cardiovascular outcomes, including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, was examined.

Main Results:

  • hsCRP is an independent predictor of future MI, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and vascular death.
  • Elevated hsCRP levels are associated with greater mortality and poorer prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes, unstable angina, and myocardial infarction.
  • hsCRP appears additive to traditional lipid markers in risk prediction for men and women.

Conclusions:

  • hsCRP is a valuable risk marker for cardiovascular disease, particularly in primary prevention.
  • Its measurement may be beneficial in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the validity of hsCRP as a risk marker across all populations.

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