Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
10:03

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty

Published on: January 28, 2020

Inflammatory markers of cardiovascular disease in the elderly

Adriane M Ramos1, Lucia Campos Pellanda, Iseu Gus

  • 1Instituto de Cardiologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil.

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cardiologia
|April 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

In elderly individuals, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-10 are good predictors of cardiovascular events. C-reactive protein shows inconsistent results, and routine use of these inflammatory markers is not yet recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on inflammatory markers predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the elderly.
  • Existing research primarily focuses on middle-aged populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the predictive role of inflammatory markers for cardiovascular disease in individuals aged 65 and older.
  • To synthesize current evidence on inflammatory markers as CVD predictors in the geriatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of Medline (PubMed) and Cochrane databases was conducted.
  • Search terms included keywords related to inflammatory markers and cardiovascular disease in the elderly.
  • 120 studies were selected and evaluated for evidence strength (Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine).

Main Results:

  • Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) demonstrated significant predictive power for cardiovascular events in individuals over 65.
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) showed inconsistent predictive value in the elderly compared to middle-aged individuals.
  • Fibrinogen predicted mortality but was not specific to cardiovascular causes. Inflammatory markers also indicated functional decline and mortality.

Conclusions:

  • While IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 show promise, current evidence is insufficient for routine use of inflammatory markers in the elderly due to limited, short-term studies.
  • Individualized assessment is recommended for utilizing these markers in geriatric patients.
  • Further research with robust, long-term studies is needed to establish definitive guidelines.
Abstract

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...
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...