Aims: The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measurement is recommended by ESC/ESH Guidelines 2003 in patients with arterial hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess distribution of hs-CRP in Poland, a country representing a high-risk region for CVD.
Methods and results: In 2002, the cross-sectional survey NATPOL PLUS was performed in a representative sample of adults in Poland aged 18-94 years. The questionnaire, anthropometrical and blood pressure measurements, glycaemia, lipidogram and hs-CRP were performed in 2333 respondents. The results of hs-CRP > 10 mg/l were excluded from analysis. Mean hs-CRP was 2.03+/-2.14 mg/l (2.13+/-2.12 mg/l in women vs 1.91+/-2.16 mg/l in men; p < 0.05). Hs-CRP > or = 1 mg/l was observed in 58% of women and in 52% of men (p < 0.05). In hypertensives (> or =140/90 mmHg or treatment: women 30% vs men 29%, ns.), hs-CRP > or = 1 mg/l was found in 74% of women, and in 63% of men. The transformed values of hs-CRP [-1/[hs-CRP](1/2)] were higher in hypertensive patients than in normotensives (-0.94 vs -1.05; p < 0.01).
Conclusion: (i) The increased level of hs-CRP was found in more than half of adults in Poland. (ii) The hs-CRP is higher in hypertensive patients than in normotensives. (iii) In view of the given results, routine measurements of hs-CRP in hypertensive patients in a country like Poland should be reconsidered.