DefinePK

Abstract

C-Reactive Protein and Stiffened Arteries


Researchers have recently defined a new risk factor for heart disease by showing that high levels of C-reactive protein in the blood are linked to several measures of stiffening of the arteries. 1 Stiffening of arteries indicate a loss of their elastic properties and predisposes to heart attack, stroke and congestive heart failure.The study looked at 214 men and women with an average age of 59, who had no history of heart attack or stroke. Results suggest that low-grade inflammation is associated with arterial stiffness. This inflammation may be a potential mechanism through which C-reactive protein is related to heart attack and stroke. Thus testing for C-reactive protein in blood may be an effective diagnostic tool for asymptomatic or presymptomatic heart disease. It is generally agreed that C-reactive protein is associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke, but it is unclear whether C-reactive protein is a risk factor that affects the function of blood vessels, or if it is simply a marker signifying the presence of disease. This finding could lead to new and improved public health strategies to prevent heart disease, such as developing drugs that suppress inflammation to improve the health of arteries before full-blown heart disease develops.1. Kullo IJ, Seward JB, Bailey KR et al. C-Reactive protein is related to arterial wave reflection and stiffness in asymptomatic subjects from the community. Am J Hypertension 2005;18:1123-9.