C-reactive protein predicts death in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy

Brianna S Ronnow1, Sandra P Reyna, Joseph B Muhlestein

  • 1Cardiovascular Department, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah 84143, USA.

Cardiology
|September 13, 2005
PubMed

Insights

High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels predict mortality in patients with non-ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. This finding highlights CRP as a significant risk marker for death, even without coronary artery disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Inflammation

Background:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is linked to atherosclerotic complications.
  • Its predictive value for mortality in non-ischemic heart disease is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if CRP levels predict death in patients with non-ischemic left ventricular dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Two hundred and three patients with non-ischemic left ventricular dysfunction were studied.
  • Patients underwent cardiac catheterization and were followed for mortality over 2.4 years.

Main Results:

  • Mortality was 15% in patients with low CRP and 30% in those with high CRP.
  • High CRP independently predicted mortality (p=0.037, HR=2.0) after adjusting for 11 covariates.

Conclusions:

  • Baseline CRP concentrations are significant predictors of mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.
  • Elevated CRP indicates increased mortality risk, independent of coronary artery disease.

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