Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
C-reactive protein: an inflammatory marker with prognostic value in patients with decompensated heart failure
Humberto Villacorta1, Antonio Claudio Masetto, Evandro Tinoco Mesquita
1Universidade Federal Fluminense, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Niterói, RJ, Brazil. hyvillacorta@globo.com
Background:
Inflammation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a series of cardiovascular diseases. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation easily obtained in the emergency room.
Objective:
To study the prognostic value of CRP in patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).
Methods:
A prospective cohort of 119 patients with ADHF treated in the emergency room. Mean age was 74+/-11 years and 76 (64%) of patients were male. All were New York Heart Association Functional Class III or IV. CRP was measured by nephelometry at admission. Patients were followed after hospital discharge for an average of 12+/-9.7 months and cardiovascular mortality was the outcome analyzed.
Results:
There were 44 (36.9%) deaths, all from cardiovascular causes. Individuals with CRP > 3 mg/dl had higher mortality than those below this level (p=0.018). In the multivariate analysis using Cox proportional model, CRP proved to be the most important independent prognostic factor (odds ratio 0.0916 [95% CI = 0.0341 - 0.1490] for each one-unit increment in CRP).
Conclusion:
CRP is an independent cardiovascular mortality predictor in patients with ADHF, indicating that inflammation represents an important component in the pathophysiology of the disease.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction