Abstract | PURPOSE: The Framingham risk score is a popular tool for estimating cardiovascular risk, but there is debate about the value of C-reactive protein. This study investigated the utility of C-reactive protein to predict the progression of atherosclerosis in relation to the Framingham risk score and age. METHODS: This observational study enrolled 164 outpatients (mean age: 61 yr; range: 40 - 75 yr) receiving treatment for classical cardiovascular risk factors. They underwent serial ultrasonographic evaluation of their carotid arteries for 36 +/- 10 months. A carotid intima-media thickness > or = 1.1 mm was defined as plaque, and the number of plaques and plaque score (sum of all plaque thicknesses) were determined. Serum C-reactive protein concentrations and classical risk factors, including body mass index, were measured. RESULTS:
C-reactive protein was related to annual changes in the number of plaques and the plaque score (r=0.26 and 0.28; P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively), as well as the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease estimated from the Framingham risk score (r=0.335, P<0.001). C-reactive protein was correlated with the annual changes of plaque number and plaque score (beta=0.21 and 0.23; P<0.05 and P<0.01) after adjusting for 10-year cardiovascular and other risk factors, especially in 64 patients comprising the 8-13% 10-year risk group (beta=0.33 for plaque score, P<0.05). CRP also showed a relationship with the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in 71 patients aged < or = 61 yr (beta=0.33 for plaque score, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Kazuo Kitagawa, Hidetaka Hougaku, Hideki Etani, Masatsugu Hori |
Journal | Clinical and investigative medicine. Medecine clinique et experimentale
(Clin Invest Med)
Vol. 29
Issue 2
Pg. 77-82
(Apr 2006)
ISSN: 0147-958X [Print] Canada |
PMID | 16737083
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Age Factors
- Aged
- C-Reactive Protein
(analysis)
- Carotid Artery Diseases
(blood)
- Disease Progression
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Risk Factors
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