C-reactive protein levels and arterial abnormalities in the offspring of patients with premature myocardial infarction.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and increased intima-media thickness of the common carotid arteries are coexistent in adolescents and young adults with a family history (FH) of premature myocardial infarction (MI).


METHODS
50 healthy young subjects whose parents had had premature MI and 50 control matched subjects were enrolled in the study. CRP levels and the intima-media thickness of the distal common carotid arteries were evaluated in all subjects.


RESULTS
As compared with the control subjects, the offspring of patients with premature MI had a higher CRP concentration (mean +/- SD 8.8 +/- 2.6 versus 3.9 +/- 0.6 mg/l, p < 0.02) and greater intima-media thickness of the common carotid arteries (values for combined sides, mean +/- SD 0.48 +/- 0.02 versus 0.43 +/- 0.02 mm, p < 0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
High serum levels of CRP and arterial structural changes are coexistent at an early age in subjects with an FH of premature MI.
Magadle
R
R
Department of Cardiology, Croix Rousse Medical Center, ICU, Lyon, France. dr_ras.@netvision.net.il
Merlon
H
H
Weiner
P
P
Mohammedi
I
I
Robert
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; D010290:Parents; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography
D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein