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Prevalence and risk factor correlates of elevated C-reactive protein in an adult Australian population

Joseph Hung1, Matthew W Knuiman, Mark L Divitini

  • 1School of Medicine and Pharmacology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Unit, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia. jhung@cyllene.uwa.edu.au

The American Journal of Cardiology
|January 8, 2008
PubMed

Insights

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is common in adults. Its elevation is linked to traditional coronary heart disease risk factors, suggesting limited utility for screening.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk assessment often includes the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein (CRP).
  • Understanding CRP distribution and correlates in the general population is crucial for clinical application.
  • Previous studies have not fully elucidated CRP's prevalence and associated factors across diverse demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and distribution of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) in a general adult population.
  • To identify independent predictors associated with increased CRP levels in both men and women.
  • To assess the contribution of conventional coronary heart disease risk factors to elevated CRP levels.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 1,761 men and 2,248 women aged 25–84 years from the 1994/1995 Busselton Health Survey.
  • CRP levels were measured, with elevated CRP defined as >3 mg/L.
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent predictors of increased CRP, considering factors like obesity, smoking, hypertension, and lipid profiles.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of elevated CRP increased with age in both genders.
  • Independent predictors for elevated CRP in men included obesity, smoking, and hypertension.
  • In women, obesity, hypertension, high triglycerides, oral contraceptive use, and hormone replacement therapy were significant predictors, while vigorous exercise was protective.
  • Conventional CHD risk factors accounted for a substantial proportion of elevated CRP (59% in men, 64% in women).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is prevalent in both men and women across various age groups.
  • The majority of elevated CRP cases are attributable to established coronary heart disease risk factors.
  • Measurement of CRP may offer limited additional utility for primary prevention and risk screening when conventional risk factors are considered.

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