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The relationship between C-reactive protein and subclinical cardiovascular disease in the Diabetes Heart Study (DHS)

Donald W Bowden1, Leslie A Lange, Carl D Langefeld

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA. dbowden@wfubmc.edu

American Heart Journal
|November 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

C-reactive protein (CRP) levels do not predict subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) in high-risk individuals. This study found no significant association between CRP and measures of subclinical CVD after adjusting for covariates.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biomarkers
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is a known predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Subclinical CVD assessment is crucial in high-risk populations.
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant risk factor for CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between CRP levels and subclinical CVD measures.
  • To investigate CRP's predictive value in a high-risk cohort, including individuals with T2DM.
  • To assess subclinical CVD using coronary artery calcium (CAC) and intimal-medial thickness (IMT).

Main Methods:

  • A family-based study of 666 subjects (551 with T2DM) with an average age of 61.
  • Measured CRP, CAC, and carotid artery IMT.
  • Used generalized estimating equations to analyze associations, adjusting for covariates and sibling correlation.

Main Results:

  • CRP showed a weak, negative association with CAC quantity (P=.01) in unadjusted analysis.
  • This association became non-significant after adjusting for covariates.
  • No significant association was found between CRP and IMT or presence of CAC.

Conclusions:

  • CRP levels did not show an incremental association with measures of subclinical CVD in this high-risk population.
  • Findings suggest CRP may not be a reliable independent predictor of subclinical CVD in this cohort.
  • Further research may be needed to clarify CRP's role in specific subgroups.
Abstract

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