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C-reactive protein concentration and incident hypertension in young adults: the CARDIA study

Susan G Lakoski1, David M Herrington, David M Siscovick

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. slakoski@wfubmc.edu

Archives of Internal Medicine
|February 16, 2006
PubMed

Insights

High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are linked to hypertension in young adults, but this association disappears when adjusting for body mass index (BMI). This differs from findings in older populations, suggesting BMI is a key factor in young adults.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Inflammation Biomarkers
  • Public Health

Background:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation.
  • CRP is an established hypertension risk factor in older adults.
  • The relationship between CRP and hypertension in younger individuals is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between CRP levels and the risk of developing hypertension in young adults.
  • To determine if CRP predicts incident hypertension in a young cohort.
  • To explore the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the CRP-hypertension relationship.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.
  • Measured CRP concentrations in 3919 participants aged 25-37 years at baseline.
  • Assessed CRP levels at year 7 and year 15 examinations, analyzing incident hypertension risk.

Main Results:

  • Unadjusted analyses showed higher CRP (>3 mg/L) associated with increased hypertension risk (OR, 1.79).
  • After adjusting for BMI and other confounders, CRP was no longer a significant predictor of incident hypertension (OR, 1.13).
  • CRP levels did not correlate with changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure after BMI adjustment.

Conclusions:

  • CRP is associated with hypertension in young adults, but this link is mediated by BMI.
  • Unlike in older populations, the predictive value of CRP for hypertension diminishes with BMI adjustment in younger individuals.
  • BMI is a critical factor in the relationship between inflammation and hypertension in young adults.
Abstract

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