Studies link C-reactive protein to increased cardiovascular risk
Inflammation of the arteries is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It has
been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and
peripheral arterial disease.
To see if your arteries are inflamed as a result of atherosclerosis, doctors can
test your blood for C-reactive protein, or CRP. The body produces C-reactive protein
during the general process of inflammation. Therefore, C-reactive protein is a
"marker" indicates an increased state of inflammation in the body.
C-reactive protein and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
In studies involving large numbers of patients, C-reactive protein levels seem
to be correlated with levels of cardiovascular risk. C-reactive protein levels
seem to predict cardiovascular risk at least as well as cholesterol levels do.
Most studies show that the higher the
C-reactive protein levels, the higher the risk of developing heart attack. In
fact, scientific studies have found that the risk for heart attack in people in
the upper third of C-reactive protein levels is twice that of those whose C-reactive
protein is in the lower third.
Recent studies also suggest that higher levels of C-reactive protein may increase
the risk that an artery will reclose after it has been opened by balloon angioplasty.
Should I have my C-reactive protein level measured?
If a person's cardiovascular risk score - judged by global risk assessment - is low
(the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease is less than 10 percent in 10
years, no test is immediately warranted. If the risk score is in the intermediate
range (10-20 percent in 10 years), such a test can help predict a cardiovascular
and stroke event and help direct further evaluation and therapy.
How Is C-reactive protein measured?
C-reactive protein is measured with a simple blood test, which can be done at the
same time your cholesterol is checked. One such test is the highly-sensitivity
C-reactive protein test. This blood test measures the amount of C-reactive protein
produced by your liver when you have inflammation somewhere in your body.
Higher-than-normal levels of CRP may indicate inflammation or a bacterial infection.
A C-reactive protein test cannot indicate where the inflammation is located or what
is causing it. Other tests are needed to determine the cause and location of the
inflammation.
What is the normal range of C-reactive protein levels?
If C-reactive protein level is lower than 1.0 mg/L, a person has a low risk
of developing cardiovascular disease.
If C-reactive protein is between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L, a person has an average risk.
If C-reactive protein is higher than 3.0 mg/L, a person is at high risk.
What is the treatment for high C-reactive protein?
For those with an elevated C-reactive protein level, taking aspirin may provide
protection from cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol-lowering drugs may also reduce
C-reactive protein.
