Elevated C-Reactive Protein Predicts Myocardial Deterioration

Systemic inflammation has been identified as a risk factor for the development of heart failure in population studies. In the 5-year prospective MESA study, researchers from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore recorded a baseline nonspecific marker of systemic inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP). After controlling for usual coronary and CHF risk factors, including diabetes, coronary disease, hypertension, smoking status, and BMI, a positive correlation between CRP and myocardial functional deterioration on echocardiogram is observed over the follow-up period. CRP is an independent risk factor for myocardial deterioration.

Choi EY et al. High sensitivity C-reactive protein as an independent predictor of progressive myocardial functional deterioration: the longitudinal multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA). Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore. Presented at: ACC 2011; April 3, 2011; New Orleans.

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