Elevated baseline C-reactive protein is associated with long-term coronary heart disease risk, while major acute phase CRP response post-myocardial infarction is linked to death and complications.
This review highlights the distinct associations between modest baseline CRP elevations in healthy subjects and high acute-phase CRP responses post-MI with coronary heart disease risk and complications.
Modestly elevated baseline concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), the classical acute phase protein, are associated with the long-term risk of coronary heart disease in general populations, whilst the major acute phase response of CRP following myocardial infarction is associated with death and cardiac complications. The pathogenic and clinical significance of these associations is controversial. Here we critically review the evidence and describe large-scale epidemiological studies, novel experiments and possible specific therapies which will rigorously inform the debate. We distinguish between the potential pathogenicity of high acute phase circulating CRP concentrations in individuals with substantial tissue damage and modest but persistent increases in baseline values in generally healthy subjects.
Casas et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Coronary heart disease. C-reactive protein (CRP) was evaluated. Elevated baseline C-reactive protein is associated with long-term coronary heart disease risk, while major acute phase CRP response post-myocardial infarction is linked to death and complications.