[Correlation between C-reactive protein levels with leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease in men]

The aim of this study was to estimate the correlation between C-reactive protein levels and leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease in men.

The study included 183 working capable men chosen randomly from the regular systematical check-up in Health Centre Banja Luka in 2006. Standard laboratory methods were used to establish the following: total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholestreol level and LDL-cholesterol level was calculated. High sensitive C-reactive protein level was measured by immunuturbidimetric method CRP (Latex) HS Roche Diagnostic.

Average values of high sensitive C-reactive protein for the whole group was 1.69 mg/L, total cholesterol 5.73 mmol/L, HDL-cholesterol 1.38 mmol/L, LDL-cholesterol 3.40 mmol/L. The average value for the systolic blood pressure was 132.9 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure 85.4 mmHg, and body mass index 28.47 kg/m2. Out of the overall number of examinees, 74 were smokers (40.4%) and 109 (59.6%) nonsmokers. The statistical analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference between C-reactive protein level in the group with diastolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg and above (p < 0.05); as well as statistically significant difference between the group with desirable body mass index and the group with increased BMI (p < 0.05).

The results of our study show that there is a significant correlation between CRP levels and high blood pressure, and in persons with increased body mass index. However, there was no correlation between CRP levels and total cholesterol HDL and LDL cholesterol levels.

High sensitive CRP screening is useful in early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases