The use of high-sensitivity assays for C-reactive protein in clinical practice

Nat Clin Pract Cardiovasc Med. 2008 Oct;5(10):621-35. doi: 10.1038/ncpcardio1322. Epub 2008 Aug 19.

Abstract

High-sensitivity assays that accurately measure levels of the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein have been proposed for use in assessments of risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). A growing body of evidence supports recommendations for these tests in selected asymptomatic individuals deemed to be at intermediate risk of CVD according to traditional risk-factor assessments and who do not already warrant chronic treatment with aspirin and statin therapy. Data suggests that these high-sensitivity assays should be used in combination with measurements of LDL-cholesterol levels to assist risk stratification of selected patients for prevention of CVD.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Diabetes Complications / blood
  • Diabetes Complications / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Hypertension / blood
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Inflammation Mediators / blood*
  • Male
  • Metabolic Syndrome / blood
  • Metabolic Syndrome / complications
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • C-Reactive Protein