A Focus on C-Reactive Protein as a Predictor of
First Cardiovascular Events
Paul M. Ridker, MD, MPH,FACC
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A Focus on C-Reactive Protein as a Predictor of First Cardiovascular Events Paul M. Ridker, MD, MPH,FACC |
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Paul M.
Ridker, MD, MPH, FACC will discuss the importance of the current data
supporting C-reactive protein as one of the more indicative disease predictors
and will discuss the emerging clinical trials targeting inflammatory disease
markers. He will also examine the need for more aggressive treatment strategies
for patients with normal LDL-C levels but abnormal levels of C-reactive
protein. |
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Atherothrombosis has been known to occur in the absence of hyperlipidemic
states. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in association with
the Centers for Disease Control have concluded population-based data on
risk factors other than hyperlipidemic states is urgently needed. Among
the many biologic markers noted and studied, C-reactive protein, a marker
of inflammation, has been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction,
stroke, sudden death for cardiac causes and peripheral arterial disease.
It is documented that both C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) cholesterol levels are elevated in persons at risk for cardiovascular
events. However, until now there has been no population-based data directly
comparing these two biologic markers. Current study data presented in this
offering suggests that the C-reactive protein level is a stronger predictor
of cardiovascular events than the LDL cholesterol level and that it adds
prognostic information to that conveyed by the Framingham risk score. C-reactive
protein thus becomes another tool in the arsenal of predicting risk. This activity is intended for cardiologists and primary care physicians. |
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