Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
Published on: January 28, 2020
[The significance of high sensitive C reactive protein as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases]
Shu Meguro1, Midori Ishibashi, Izumi Takei
1Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nephrology Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University, School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan. shumeg@z8.keio.jp
Insights
Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) indicates increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and other conditions like cancer. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms linking hs-CRP to disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Cardiovascular Research
- Inflammation Studies
Context:
- Chronic inflammation is a key factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD) development.
- Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels are recognized as a significant risk factor for CVD.
- Prospective studies, including those in Japan, and meta-analyses confirm hs-CRP's role in both primary and secondary CVD prevention, and its association with cancers.
Purpose:
- To explore the role of hs-CRP in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
- To review existing evidence linking hs-CRP to CVD and other inflammatory conditions.
- To discuss potential mechanisms and contributing factors to hs-CRP elevation.
Summary:
- Prospective studies and meta-analyses consistently identify elevated hs-CRP as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancers.
- While the exact mechanisms are not fully elucidated, systemic inflammation, potentially triggered by infections, periodontal disease, or visceral fat accumulation ('innate inflammation'), is implicated.
- hs-CRP levels can vary between populations, and while no specific hs-CRP-reducing therapy exists, it serves as a crucial complementary risk factor alongside traditional markers like LDL cholesterol.
Impact:
- Highlights hs-CRP as a critical biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Underscores the need for further investigation into the mechanisms underlying hs-CRP's association with various diseases.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering hs-CRP in comprehensive CVD risk stratification and management strategies.
Abstract:
Chronic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Several prospective studies have indicated that an elevated high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level is a risk factor for CVD. These results were also confirmed by prospective studies in Japan both for primary and secondary prevention. A randomized control study using statins also revealed that lower levels of both LDL cholesterol and hs-CRP were independently related to the incidence of CVD. Recent meta-analysis revealed that hs-CRP was a risk factor not only for CVD but for other diseases including cancers. It revealed that the absolute value of hs-CRP varied among the study populations. The mechanism of how hs-CRP is associated with the pathogenesis of CVD is not fully understood. Generally, inflammation in the vascular wall and the release of inflammatory cytokines from macrophages was considered to the main mechanism, but infection with such as chlamydia or Helicobacter pylori, and periodontal disease have been postulated as the causes of systemic inflammation. Recently, visceral fat accumulation and its cross-interaction with inflammatory cells have been proposed as the cause of systemic inflammation as "innate inflammation". Our original cross sectional studies also showed the correlations of hs-CRP with BMI and triglyceride. Although there is no specific therapy for the reduction of hs-CRP, we have to consider hs-CRP as a risk factor for CVD which complements other classical risk factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
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...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures