C-reactive protein predicts the severity of coronary artery disease beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Angiology. 2012 Apr;63(3):218-22. doi: 10.1177/0003319711411291. Epub 2011 Jun 15.

Abstract

Prospective studies and clinical trials have shown that C-reactive protein (CRP) independently predicts the occurrence of cardiovascular events, even in individuals without hypercholesterolemia. We evaluated whether CRP can predict the severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. A total of 418 patients with lower LDL-C (<3.37 mmol/L) who underwent coronary angiography were recruited. The median levels of CRP increased according to the number of stenotic vessels. Multivariable adjustment model indicated that CRP was associated with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the top to the bottom third comparison of CRP levels, yielding an odds ratio of 1.72 (95% confidence interval: 1.08-2.74); this trend was preserved after excluding the confounding effect of statin treatment. C-reactive protein may serve as a useful biomarker for improving the risk assessment and secondary prevention of CAD patients without hypercholesterolemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Disease / blood*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Artery Disease / pathology*
  • Coronary Stenosis / blood*
  • Coronary Stenosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Coronary Stenosis / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • C-Reactive Protein