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Concurrent increased high sensitivity C-reactive protein and chronic infections are associated with coronary artery

Katayon Vahdat1, Seyed Mojtaba Jafari, Raha Pazoki

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The Persian Gulf Health Research Center, Iran.

Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
|March 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and chronic infections like C. pneumoniae, H. pylori, CMV, and HSV-1 are linked to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study found that when both are present, the risk of ECG-defined CAD significantly increases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is a known predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Chronic infections are also implicated in CAD development.
  • The interplay between CRP, chronic infections, and CAD requires further investigation in general populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between electrocardiogram-defined CAD, chronic infections (Chlamydia pneumoniae, HSV-1, H. pylori, CMV), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.
  • To assess these associations within a general population in Iran.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based cross-sectional study involving 1,754 adults (≥25 years) in the northern Persian Gulf.
  • Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were analyzed for CAD using Minnesota coding criteria.
  • Sera were tested for IgG antibodies to C. pneumoniae, HSV-1, H. pylori, and CMV via ELISA, and high-sensitivity CRP assays were performed.

Main Results:

  • No significant association was found between individual infections and ECG-defined CAD after adjusting for age and sex.
  • Elevated CRP alone was not independently associated with ECG-defined CAD.
  • However, concurrent elevated CRP levels (>10.0 mg/L) with IgG antibodies to C. pneumoniae, H. pylori, CMV, or HSV-1 were significantly associated with ECG-defined CAD, even after adjusting for multiple risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Concomitant elevated CRP and chronic infections are significantly correlated with electrocardiogram-defined CAD.
  • These factors represent important contributors to CAD beyond traditional risk factors.
  • The findings highlight the combined impact of inflammation and infection on cardiovascular health.
Abstract

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