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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
Published on: January 28, 2020
[CRP--a marker of a pro-inflammatory state and cardiovascular risk]
R Poledne1, Z Valenta, J Pit'ha
1Laborator pro výzkum aterosklerózy, Pracovistĕ experimentální medicíny IKEM Praha. rudolf.poledne@ikem.cz
Insights
Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels correlate with cardiovascular disease risk factors but are influenced by genetics and lifestyle. Therefore, hsCRP is not currently recommended for routine atherosclerosis risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Genetics
Context:
- Elevated basal levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), measured by a highly sensitive test (hsCRP), have been recognized for over a decade.
- Increased hsCRP concentration is associated with numerous classical risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the clinical utility of hsCRP in assessing individual atherosclerosis risk.
- To determine if hsCRP can be routinely used for risk stratification.
Summary:
- While hsCRP correlates with cardiovascular risk factors, its interpretation is complicated.
- hsCRP levels are influenced by genetic factors and lifestyle modifications.
- These confounding factors limit the current routine application of hsCRP for atherosclerosis risk assessment.
Impact:
- This study suggests that hsCRP should not be routinely employed for assessing individual atherosclerosis risk at present.
- Further research may be needed to clarify the role of hsCRP in personalized cardiovascular risk prediction.
Abstract:
The importance of elevated basal levels C-reactive protein (CRP) measured by a highly sensitive test has been known for over 10 years. Increased hsCRP concentration correlates with most of the classical risk factors in cardiovascular disease, however. This seriously complicates the interpretation of the elevated concentration. Concentrations of hsCRP are partly genetically determined and can easily be affected positively by lifestyle changes. These two factors lead us to conclude that the setting of hsCRP should not be used routinely at present in assessing the individual risk of complications for atherosclerosis.
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