Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound
10:08

Measuring Ascending Aortic Stiffness In Vivo in Mice Using Ultrasound

Published on: December 2, 2014

C-reactive protein and aortic stiffness in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Feridun Kosar1, Yüksel Aksoy, Gulacan Ozguntekin

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Turgut Ozal Research Center, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey. mferidunkosar@yahoo.com

Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|January 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are linked to impaired aortic stiffness in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP). This suggests CRP may play a role in the condition

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) and arterial stiffness are associated with cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
  • Elevated CRP and arterial stiffness are independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality.
  • Previous research indicates a link between CRP and arterial stiffness in various cardiovascular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and aortic stiffness.
  • To assess CRP as a marker of systemic inflammation in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP).
  • To determine if CRP levels correlate with aortic stiffness parameters in DCMP patients.

Main Methods:

  • Measured serum CRP levels and aortic stiffness parameters in 37 DCMP patients and 30 controls.
  • Utilized high-sensitivity CRP assays and M-mode echocardiography for aortic strain (AS) and distensibility (AD).
  • Calculated AS and AD from aortic diameters and blood pressure measurements.

Main Results:

  • DCMP patients exhibited significantly higher CRP levels compared to controls (5.47 vs. 2.35 mg/L, P < 0.001).
  • Aortic strain (AS) and aortic distensibility (AD) were significantly reduced in DCMP patients (P < 0.001).
  • Found significant correlations between CRP levels and age, smoking, diastolic blood pressure, and impaired aortic stiffness (AS and AD).

Conclusions:

  • A significant relationship exists between elevated serum CRP levels and impaired aortic stiffness in idiopathic DCMP.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for CRP in the pathogenesis of aortic stiffness in DCMP.
  • CRP may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing vascular health in DCMP patients.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy10:35

Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Published on: October 19, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...