Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
Plasma CRP level predicts left ventricular function and exercise capacity in patients with acute myocardial
S Pandian1, V Amuthan, P Sukumar
1Department of Cardiology, Madurai Medical College and Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai.
Insights
High C-reactive protein levels after myocardial infarction indicate poorer outcomes. Elevated C-reactive protein correlates with reduced ejection fraction and exercise capacity, signaling worse prognosis in heart attack patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomarkers
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key inflammatory marker.
- Elevated CRP levels post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are linked to adverse clinical outcomes.
- Predicting prognosis in AMI patients is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between C-reactive protein levels and left ventricular function in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.
- To assess the relationship between CRP levels and exercise capacity post-MI.
- To determine if CRP can serve as a prognostic marker for STEMI patients.
Main Methods:
- One hundred STEMI patients were studied in the intensive coronary care unit.
- Plasma CRP levels were measured upon admission using immunoturbidity.
- Ejection fraction was assessed via echocardiography, and exercise capacity was evaluated using symptom-limited treadmill tests.
Main Results:
- Patients with high CRP levels (6.52 +/- 3.97 mg/dl) exhibited significantly lower ejection fraction (46.7 +/- 11.9%) compared to those with low CRP (1.26 +/- 0.91 mg/dl, 56.9 +/- 7.7%).
- Exercise capacity, measured in METs, was markedly reduced in the high CRP group (2.8 +/- 1.4 METs) versus the low CRP group (5.5 +/- 2.5 METs).
- A statistically significant difference was observed in both ejection fraction (p=0.011) and exercise capacity (p=0.027) between the two CRP groups.
Conclusions:
- C-reactive protein levels serve as an indicator of myocardial necrosis severity.
- Higher CRP levels correlate with impaired left ventricular function (lower ejection fraction).
- Elevated CRP is associated with worse prognosis and reduced exercise capacity following myocardial infarction.
Background:
C-reactive protein estimation can help in predicting short- and long-term prognosis after acute myocardial infarction. High plasma C-reactive protein level in the acute phase strongly indicates a poor clinical outcome of the patients with myocardial infarction.
Methods And Results:
One hundred consecutive patients admitted with ST elevation myocardial infarction in the intensive coronary care unit in our hospital who were able to do symptom-limited treadmill test during early recovery phase were studied. Plasma C-reactive protein was measured at the time of admission by immunoturbidity method. The normal value of the C-reactive protein was taken as 0.8 mg/dl. Echocardiographic study was done on day three of admission and ejection fraction was estimated by modified Simpson's method. Symptom-limited treadmill exercise test was done in all the patients. Patients were classified into two groups based on level of C-reactive protein: those with low C-reactive protein level (1.26 +/- 0.91 mg/dl, n=40) and those with high C-reactive protein level (6.52 +/- 3.97 mg/dl, n=60). Ejection fraction was lower in high C-reactive protein group (46.7 +/- 11.9%) compared to low C-reactive protein group (56.9 +/- 7.7%) (p = 0.011). Exercise capacity was lower in high C-reactive protein group (2.8 +/- 1.4 METs) compared to low C-reactive protein group (5.5 +/- 2.5 METs) p = 0.027).
Conclusions:
C-reactive protein levels are an index of the severity of myocardial necrosis which translate to worse left ventricular function. Higher the C-reactive protein level, lower the ejection fraction and worse may be the prognosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
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...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests