High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: To Measure or Not to Measure?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Inflammation Research
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) pathogenesis involves inflammation and dyslipidemia.
• Lipid-lowering therapies are primary ASCVD treatments, but residual inflammatory risk remains a target.
• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a key marker of inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of inflammation in ASCVD.
• To discuss hsCRP for assessing residual inflammatory risk.
• To explore anti-inflammatory strategies for ASCVD risk reduction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on inflammation, hsCRP, and ASCVD.
• Analysis of hsCRP's role in risk stratification and as a risk enhancer.
• Discussion of clinical applications of hsCRP measurement and management of residual inflammatory risk.

Main Results:

• hsCRP is associated with ASCVD risk and incorporated into primary prevention guidelines.
• hsCRP can help identify residual inflammatory risk in patients with ASCVD.
• Targeting upstream pathways like glucose intolerance and obesity may reduce inflammatory risk.

Conclusions:

• Inflammation is a critical component of ASCVD, beyond lipid levels.
• hsCRP serves as a valuable tool for assessing residual inflammatory risk.
• Individualized approaches considering hsCRP and anti-inflammatory strategies can enhance ASCVD risk reduction.