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Is there any Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein Level and Complex Coronary Plaques in Patients with Unstable
Masoumeh Sadeghi1, Masoud Pourmoghaddas, Aliakbar Tavasoli
1Associate Professor, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Insights
C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are significantly higher in unstable angina patients with complex coronary lesions. This finding suggests CRP may help screen patients at higher risk for coronary events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomarkers
- Atherosclerosis
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a primary cause of mortality in developed nations.
- Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with atherosclerosis.
- This study investigates the link between CRP and complex coronary lesions in unstable angina (UA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the complexity of coronary artery lesions.
- To determine if CRP can serve as a predictor for complex lesions in patients with unstable angina.
Main Methods:
- An analytical cross-sectional study involving 80 unstable angina patients undergoing angiography.
- Data collection included demographic factors, medical history, CRP levels, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and lipid profiles.
- Coronary lesions were classified as simple or complex using Ambrose criteria; data analyzed with SPSS, t-student, and chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- Mean age of participants was 58.27 ± 6.23 years.
- Obesity was common in both simple and complex lesion groups, with a significant difference in Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Mean CRP levels were significantly higher in the complex lesion group (8.01 ± 6 mg/dl) compared to the simple lesion group (1.37 ± 2 mg/dl), with a significant overall difference (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- A significant difference in CRP levels exists between unstable angina patients with complex versus simple coronary lesions.
- Higher CRP levels are associated with complex coronary lesions.
- CRP may aid in screening patients with unstable angina who are more likely to have complex lesions, potentially identifying those at higher risk for future coronary events.
Background:
Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death in developed countries. On the other hand, increased level of CRP has been seen in atherosclerosis. According to this finding, we decided to conduct this study to assess the relationship between CRP and complex lesions of coronary arteries in patients with unstable angina.
Methods:
In this analytical cross sectional study which was conducted in 2007 in Chamran hospital, samples were collected using simple sampling and included 80 patients who referred to the hospital due to angina pectoris, had the diagnosis of unstable angina and were candidates of angiography. At first, a questionnaire was filled for each patient including demographic factors and their medical history. Then a blood sample was taken to assess level of CRP, FBS, and lipid profiles. The results of angiographic studies were considered by three cardiologists and abnormal patients were classified into simple and complex groups according to Ambrose criteria. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15, t-student and chi-square tests.
Results:
Mean age of samples was 58.27 ± 6.23 years old. Considering the risk factors, most simple and complex lesions happened in obese patients however the only significant difference was observed in BMI between two groups (P < 0.05). Mean level of CRP in the population under study was 6.05 ± 4 mg/dl which was 1.37 ± 2 and 8.01 ± 6 in simple and complex groups respectively (P < 0.05). CRP mean was significantly higher in the group with complex lesions, less than 1 mg/dl in simple lesion and more than 4 mg/dl in complex lesions.
Conclusion:
According to our findings, there is a significant difference considering CRP level in unstable angina patients who have complex lesions compared with simples ones. As complex plaques are more susceptible to develop coronary events, patients with a higher probability of complicated lesions can be screened.
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