Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 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

Serum YKL-40 predicts long-term mortality in patients with stable coronary disease: a prognostic study within the

Marina Harutyunyan1, Jens P Gøtze, Per Winkel

  • 1Department of Medicine B, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark. marinah@dadlnet.dk

Immunobiology
|January 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The inflammatory biomarker YKL-40 improves long-term mortality prediction in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. It offers prognostic value independent of traditional risk factors and other biomarkers like hs-CRP and NT-proBNP.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Prognostics

Background:

  • Stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients managed in general practice require prognostic biomarkers.
  • Elevated serum YKL-40 is a known short-term predictor of adverse outcomes in stable CAD.
  • Current risk stratification may benefit from additional predictive markers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if the inflammatory biomarker YKL-40 enhances long-term mortality prediction in stable CAD patients.
  • To assess YKL-40's predictive power beyond established risk factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and N-terminal-pro-B natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).

Main Methods:

  • Serum YKL-40, hs-CRP, and NT-proBNP levels were measured in 4265 patients with stable CAD.
  • A 6-year follow-up period was used to register all-cause mortality.
  • Statistical analysis involved adjusting for clinical risk factors, medical treatments, and other biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • During 6 years, 923 (21.1%) patients died.
  • Serum YKL-40 was significantly associated with all-cause mortality after adjusting for risk factors (HR=1.55).
  • YKL-40 remained a significant predictor even after additional adjustment for hs-CRP and NT-proBNP (HR=1.38).

Conclusions:

  • Serum YKL-40 independently predicts long-term mortality in stable CAD patients.
  • YKL-40 provides prognostic information beyond common risk factors, hs-CRP, and NT-proBNP.
  • YKL-40 is a valuable biomarker for prognostication in stable CAD.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
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...
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests01:24

Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests

Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
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...