Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy During Reactive Hyperemia for the Assessment of Lower Limb Vascular Function
04:44

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy During Reactive Hyperemia for the Assessment of Lower Limb Vascular Function

Published on: March 22, 2024

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein affects central haemodynamics and augmentation index in apparently healthy

Priit Kampus1, Jaak Kals, Tiina Ristimäe

  • 1Department of Cardiology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia. priit.kampus@klinikum.se

Journal of Hypertension
|May 29, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in healthy individuals is linked to increased arterial stiffness, indicated by higher augmentation index (AIx) and central pressures. This suggests early atherosclerotic changes and potential cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Inflammation Research
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a known predictor of cardiovascular events and subclinical atherosclerosis in apparently healthy individuals.
  • Arterial stiffness, assessed by augmentation index (AIx) and central pressures, is an emerging marker of cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between inflammatory markers, specifically hsCRP, and measures of arterial stiffness including AIx, central pulse pressure, and central systolic blood pressure in apparently healthy subjects.
  • To explore potential early indicators of atherosclerosis in a healthy population.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study involving 158 apparently healthy participants (75 males, 83 females) who underwent medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and pulse wave analysis.
  • hsCRP levels were measured, and participants were grouped based on a threshold of 1 mg/l for comparison.

Main Results:

  • Participants with hsCRP levels above 1 mg/l exhibited significantly higher augmentation index (AIx) (24.5% vs. 18.1%, P < 0.001), central pulse pressure, and central systolic blood pressure.
  • Multiple regression analysis revealed that AIx positively correlated with hsCRP levels (P = 0.026), age, female gender, short stature, mean arterial pressure, and white blood cell count, and negatively with heart rate.
  • No significant differences were observed in peripheral pulse pressure, peripheral blood pressures, or estimated aortic pulse wave velocity between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma hsCRP levels are positively correlated with AIx, central pulse pressure, and central systolic blood pressure in apparently healthy individuals.
  • Increased inflammatory markers, indicated by higher hsCRP, are associated with heightened systemic arterial stiffness, potentially reflecting early atherosclerotic changes.
  • hsCRP and non-invasively measured arterial stiffness may serve as valuable adjunct tools for assessing global arterial risk and preclinical atherosclerotic changes alongside conventional risk factors.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring of Aortic and Pulmonary Artery Hemodynamics in a Large Animal Model of ARDS08:12

Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring of Aortic and Pulmonary Artery Hemodynamics in a Large Animal Model of ARDS

Published on: November 26, 2018

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...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...