Patients with cardiac syndrome X had significantly higher hs-CRP levels (2.6 vs 1.5 mg/l; P=0.02) and increased arterial stiffness compared to healthy controls.
Case-Control (n=60)
Do markers of inflammation and arterial distensibility differ in patients with cardiac syndrome X compared to healthy controls?
Patients with cardiac syndrome X exhibit higher levels of chronic inflammation and increased arterial stiffness compared to healthy controls, suggesting a potential pathogenic mechanism.
Absolute Event Rate: 2.6% vs 1.5%
p-value: p=0.02
AIMS: Endothelial dysfunction and subangiographic atheroma have been reported in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX) but little is known regarding chronic inflammation and reduced arterial distensibility as pathogenic mechanisms. We assessed whether markers of inflammation and arterial distensibility differ in CSX patients compared to control subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 30 consecutive CSX patients (mean age 57+/-6 years, 25 women) and 30 healthy controls (mean age 54+/-8 years, 25 women). High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were significantly higher in patients with CSX compared to controls (2.6 1.7-4.5 vs 1.50.7-2.7 mg/l, P=0.02). Hs-CRP levels correlated with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) (Spearman's rho=0.51; P=0.013). CSX patients also had significantly increased mean IMT values than controls (P<0.0001). Arterial stiffness and elastic modulus were also significantly increased in CSX patients compared to control subjects (P=0.04 and P=0.04, respectively). Distensibility tended to be lower in CSX patients than controls although this difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed for the first time that compared to control subjects, patients with CSX have higher hs-CRP serum levels, increased mean common carotid artery IMT and increased arterial stiffness. The role of these abnormalities in the pathogenesis of CSX deserves investigation.
Ramón Arroyo‐Espliguero (Sat,) conducted a case-control in Cardiac syndrome X (n=60). Cardiac syndrome X vs. Healthy controls was evaluated on High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels (p=0.02). Patients with cardiac syndrome X had significantly higher hs-CRP levels (2.6 vs 1.5 mg/l; P=0.02) and increased arterial stiffness compared to healthy controls.