Wellness

New Coronary Risk Indicator, C-Reactive Protein

Persons with the lowest risk for cardiovascular events
have a "High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein" level
of 0.5 mg/L or less.

How important this process of inflammation is in causing heart disease is shown by a new study of 27,939 healthy women who were checked for both LDL cholesterol levels and C-reactive protein then followed for 8 years to see who would get cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, angioplasty, or death from cardiovascular disease)¹.

Women with high CRP levels at the start of the study were 2.3 times more likely to develop a cardiovascular problem than those with low values. In fact, CRP was a better predictor of future cardiovascular events than LDL cholesterol (see chart on right).

The researchers point out that nearly half of all cardiovascular events that occurred during the 8 year study were to women with LDL cholesterol levels in the "desirable range (less than 130 mg/dL. This points out the need to measure multiple risk factors, including CRP levels, to determine those at highest overall risk. Even when women had low LDL cholesterol levels, if their CRP levels were high, they had a high risk of a future cardiovascular event. The research authors conclude, "C-reactive protein, a marker of systemic inflammation, is a stronger predictor of future cardiovascular events than even LDL cholesterol."

Persons with the lowest risk for future heart problems or stroke have a "High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein" level of 0.5 mg/L or lower. Average CRP levels for this group of women aged 45-74 was 1.52 mg/liter.

What causes this inflammation process in the body? Excess abdominal body fat is a major cause. Studies show that as people eat more healthfully, get regular exercise, and lose weight, their CRP blood tests drop dramatically. In the Cardiovascular Health Study² that included 5,888 men and women, those who were most active had lower levels of inflammation.

Other studies show that aspirin may lower inflammation and CRP levels, and statin medications for lowering cholesterol also lower CRP levels. Further research is need in this new area to know how best to deal with this newest risk indicator. In the mean time, eat heart healthy meals, lose excess body fat (even 10-15 pounds helps greatly), and get regular physical activity.

Reference

1. Ridker PM, et al. Camparison of C-reactive protein and LDL cholesterol levels in the prediction of first cardiovascular events, New England Journal of Medicine Nov. 14, 2002; 347:1557-65
2. Geffken D et al. Association between physical activity and markers of inflammation in a healthy elderly population. American Journal of Epidemiology 2001; 153:242-50

Making Healthy Choices articles are written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES president of LifeLong Health with contributions from associated health professionals. Content is general health information from evidence based research. It's purpose is not to treat disease or take the place of advice by your doctor but to promote healthy lifestyles. Persons with health problems should contact their physician for specific guidance.

Copyrighted 2002 by PrevMedix LLC. All rights reserved. Do not make unauthorized copies.

Updated: 12/17/02