[Influence of anthropometric variables in C reactive protein]

Obesity is a widespread and growing problem and one of metabolic syndrome (MS) components. In healthy populations, C reactive protein (CRP) is correlated with obesity measurements.

To study in a population of patients with cardiac disease, if the correlation between CRP and MS variables is also maintained, and the relation between CRP and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Study of 1231 patients admitted for an elective cardiac invasive procedure. We collected anthropometric measurements, CRP levels, as well as the other variables of MS. We compared groups according to body mass index distribution and correlation was performed between CRP and all other variables.

The overall frequency of MS was 59%. CRP was significantly higher in obese patients, compared to normal and overweight patients. CRP was significantly correlated with all risk factors. The best correlations were obtained for waist circumference, body mass index and number of metabolic syndrome components. The best cut-off value of CRP to predict MS is 0.38 mg/dL. Risk factors, including obesity measures can only explain 3.3 - 3.5% of CRP variance. Gender was the best correlate, followed by HDL-cholesterol. From the anthropometric variables, only body mass index contributed to the variance. No significant association was found between CRP, MS and the presence of CAD.

In patients with cardiac disease, we found a significant association between CRP, anthropometric variables and MS, however not as significant as previously described in healthy patients. The number of MS components was also an important influence for CRP.