High Sensitive C- Reactive Protein in Patients with Angiographically Proved Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is associated with increased inflammatory activity and risk of vascular disease. The hypothesis is that, the hs-CRP testing might have prognostic usefulness for patients with CAD. Considering a major role of hs-CRP in atherothrombosis, its measurements can provide a novel method to detect individuals at high risk of rupture of plaque.

Aim of the Work: This study was performed to find out the relation of high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) with angiographically proved coronary artery disease (CAD) and its severity.

Methodology: Total 125 patients underwent CAG in present study, of them 36% were females and 64% were males, predominated by male sex (‘p’ <0.001.

Results: The mean for hs-CRP levels was 1.67(±0.85) mg/L and significantly high in patient with CAD. Strong correlation was formed between age ≥ 45 years and hs-CRP 1-3 mg/ L in present cohort of CAD. About one third of population with CAD had dyslipidemia of them majority (2/3rd) had hs-CRP 1-3 mg/L. Two-third of patients with CAD with tobacco consumption in any form had hs-CRP 1-3 mg/L and was significant than < 1 mg/L and >3 mg/L hs-CRP level. The hs-CRP level associated favorably with the frequency and extent of the CAD in present study (r=0.664).

Conclusion: High sensitive CRP offers better risk stratification, predictive and prognostic value, in patients with CAD. Further studies and interventions are mandatory to identify the independent role of hs-CRP as a CAD risk factor and its cost effectiveness in a population of a developing country like India.