Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 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

Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein prognostic value following acute coronary syndrome

Johan Wouter Jukema1,2, Nicolaas J Van Neer1, Michael Szarek3,4,5,6

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, Leiden 2300 RC, The Netherlands.

European Heart Journal
|May 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) independently predicts major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Both hsCRP and interleukin-6 (IL-6) predict death, offering complementary prognostic insights.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Inflammation

Background:

  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are linked to adverse cardiovascular events post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
  • The independent and complementary prognostic value of hsCRP and IL-6 after ACS remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the independent and complementary prognostic information of hsCRP and IL-6 in patients following ACS.
  • To assess the predictive value of these biomarkers for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause death.

Main Methods:

  • Post hoc analysis of the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial involving 11,817 post-ACS patients.
  • Proportional hazards models assessed the relationship between log-transformed hsCRP, IL-6 levels, and MACE/all-cause death.
  • Adjustments were made for treatment assignment, demographics, LDL-C, and time since ACS.

Main Results:

  • hsCRP independently predicted MACE (P < .0001), while IL-6 did not (P = .21).
  • Both hsCRP and IL-6 independently predicted all-cause death (P < .0001 and P = .0003, respectively).
  • Elevated risks for MACE and death were observed when both hsCRP and IL-6 were high, indicating complementary prognostic information.

Conclusions:

  • hsCRP provides independent prognostic information for MACE in recent ACS patients.
  • Both hsCRP and IL-6 are independent predictors of all-cause mortality post-ACS.
  • Combined assessment of hsCRP and IL-6 offers complementary prognostic value beyond individual markers.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute coronary syndromeCardiovascular eventsCholesterolHigh-sensitivity C-reactive proteinInterleukin-6PCSK9

More Related Videos

Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1&beta; using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay06:29

Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay

Published on: March 1, 2011

Primary Sjogren's Syndrome Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma: Probing the Potential Common Pathogenic Mechanisms and Experimental Verification10:21

Primary Sjogren's Syndrome Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma: Probing the Potential Common Pathogenic Mechanisms and Experimental Verification

Published on: September 20, 2024

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...
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects01:25

Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects

Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
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...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
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...
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...