High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is the most effective prognostic measurement of acute coronary events.
Inflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of arterial atherosclerosis. The stages of atheroma development from early recruitment of leukocytes and fatty streaks to the unstable plaque and finally rupture are mediated by the inflammatory process. Several markers of vascular wall inflammation that can predict future risk of plaque rupture have been identified. However, these lack the specificity of CRP. Numerous large-scale prospective studies established hs-CRP as a strong biochemical marker for the prediction of future first or recurrent coronary events. A Food and Drug Administration-approved method for measuring hs-CRP is currently available.
Futterman
Laurie G
LG
Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Fla 33101, USA.
Lemberg
Louis
L
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000097:blood
D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein