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C-reactive protein is associated with arterial stiffness in apparently healthy individuals

Yasmin1, Carmel M McEniery, Sharon Wallace

  • 1Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|March 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Inflammation, measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), is linked to arterial stiffness in healthy adults. This suggests inflammation may contribute to hardening of the arteries, potentially benefiting from anti-inflammatory treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Inflammation Research
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation predicting outcomes in healthy and atherosclerotic individuals.
  • Arterial stiffness independently predicts mortality and is implicated in atherosclerosis.
  • The relationship between arterial stiffness and inflammation in healthy individuals requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between arterial stiffness markers and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in a cohort of healthy individuals.
  • To determine if inflammation contributes to arterial stiffening in the absence of overt cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 427 healthy individuals, excluding those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, or on medication.
  • Assessment of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and blood pressure, including brachial and aortic PWV, and pulse pressures.
  • Correlation and multiple regression analyses to identify independent predictors of arterial stiffness and CRP levels.

Main Results:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) levels correlated with age, mean arterial pressure (MAP), brachial and aortic PWV, and pulse pressures.
  • Aortic PWV was independently associated with age, CRP, male gender, and MAP.
  • Aortic, carotid, and brachial pulse pressures were also independently associated with CRP levels.

Conclusions:

  • Arterial stiffness, including aortic and brachial PWV and pulse pressure, is related to inflammation levels in healthy individuals.
  • These findings suggest that inflammation may play a role in the development of arterial stiffening.
  • Anti-inflammatory strategies could potentially reduce arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk, particularly in those with early signs of arterial stiffening.
Abstract

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