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C-reactive protein predicts carotid atherosclerosis progression in mild to moderate risk and middle-aged patients

Hiroyuki Hashimoto1, Kazuo Kitagawa, Hidetaka Hougaku

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka National Hospital 2-1-14, Hoenzaka, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan. hashih@onh.go.jp

Clinical and Investigative Medicine. Medecine Clinique Et Experimentale
|June 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

C-reactive protein (CRP) effectively predicts the progression of early carotid atherosclerosis. This marker is particularly useful in middle-aged patients and those with mild to moderate cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biomarkers
  • Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
  • The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is widely used for cardiovascular risk assessment.
  • The role of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a predictor of atherosclerosis progression is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the predictive utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) for atherosclerosis progression.
  • To compare CRP's predictive value against the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and patient age.
  • To investigate CRP's role in specific patient subgroups.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study of 164 outpatients (mean age 61 years) with cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Serial ultrasonographic evaluation of carotid arteries over 36 months.
  • Measurement of carotid intima-media thickness, plaque number, plaque score, and serum CRP levels.

Main Results:

  • CRP correlated significantly with annual changes in plaque number and plaque score (P<0.01).
  • CRP was associated with 10-year cardiovascular disease risk estimated by FRS (r=0.335, P<0.001).
  • Adjusted analyses showed CRP predicted plaque progression, especially in patients with 8-13% 10-year risk and those aged ≤61 years.

Conclusions:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is a valuable predictor of early carotid atherosclerosis progression.
  • CRP demonstrates utility in middle-aged individuals and those with mild to moderate cardiovascular risk.
  • CRP may enhance risk stratification beyond traditional Framingham Risk Score assessments.
Abstract

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