Related Experiment Videos

hs-CRP: A potential marker for hypertension in Kashmiri population

M Shafi Dar1, A A Pandith, A S Sameer

  • 1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar, Kashmir, 190011 India.

Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry : IJCB
|October 30, 2012
PubMed

Insights

High blood pressure is linked to inflammation. This study found elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in individuals with hypertension, especially those with prehypertension or shorter disease duration.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hypertension is a major global health issue and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Emerging evidence suggests hypertension has an inflammatory component, with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) observed in hypertensive individuals.
  • Understanding the relationship between blood pressure and inflammation markers like CRP is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between blood pressure levels and serum CRP concentrations across various blood pressure categories, including prehypertension.
  • To determine if CRP levels differ significantly between hypertensive individuals and normotensive controls.
  • To explore the correlation between the grade and duration of hypertension and serum CRP levels.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 104 hypertensive patients and 63 normotensive control subjects.
  • Serum CRP levels were quantified using a high-sensitivity immunoturbidometric assay.
  • Statistical analysis, including unpaired student's 't' tests, was employed to compare CRP levels between groups.

Main Results:

  • Hypertensive patients exhibited significantly higher mean serum hs-CRP levels (3.26 mg/L) compared to normotensive controls (1.36 mg/L) (P<0.001).
  • CRP levels showed significant variation with hypertension grade and duration, with the most pronounced difference observed in prehypertension (P<0.001).
  • Individuals with shorter hypertension duration (≤1 year) had higher CRP levels than those with longer duration (≥5 years) (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

  • A graded association exists between blood pressure and CRP elevation in hypertensive individuals.
  • Prehypertension and shorter hypertension duration are associated with a significantly higher likelihood of elevated CRP.
  • These findings highlight the role of inflammation in the early stages of hypertension and its progression.

Keywords:
HypertensionInflammatory disorderStage Ihs-CRP

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...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...