Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

A Sensitive and Specific Quantitation Method for Determination of Serum Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C by Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay
10:12

A Sensitive and Specific Quantitation Method for Determination of Serum Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C by Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay

Published on: August 8, 2013

C-reactive protein: the harbinger of cardiovascular diseases

Bernard Abi-Saleh1, Said B Iskandar, Nader Elgharib

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA. babisaleh@usouthal.edu

Southern Medical Journal
|April 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein indicates increased cardiovascular event risk in patients with acute coronary syndromes or peripheral artery disease. This review covers recent literature on this marker and emerging therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Preventive Medicine

Background:

  • Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death in Western countries.
  • Advances in treatment have not fully mitigated its impact.
  • Predictive markers for cardiovascular events are crucial for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest literature on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and cardiovascular disease.
  • To explore the association between hs-CRP levels and cardiovascular event risk.
  • To discuss current and emerging therapeutic options for cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on hs-CRP and cardiovascular disease.
  • Analysis of data associating hs-CRP with cardiovascular events.
  • Synthesis of information on therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is extensively studied as a cardiovascular risk marker.
  • Elevated hs-CRP levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events.
  • This association is noted in patients with acute coronary syndromes and peripheral artery disease.

Conclusions:

  • hs-CRP is a significant predictor of cardiovascular events.
  • Understanding hs-CRP's role aids in risk assessment for cardiovascular disease.
  • Novel therapeutic strategies are being developed to manage cardiovascular risk.

Related Concept Videos

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...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
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 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...
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
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...