C-reactive protein is not associated with the presence or extent of calcified subclinical atherosclerosis

Background Both high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and electron be am computed tomography (EBCT) core nary artery calcification (CAC) ore vali d markers of cardiovascular risk. it is unknown whether hsCRP is a marker o f atherosclerotic burden or whether it reflects a process leg, inflammatory fibrous cap degradation) leading to acute coronary events. Methods A nested case-control study was performed of 188 men enrolled in th e Prospective Army Coronary Calcium study. The serum hsCRP revels (latex ag glutination assay) were evaluated in subjects with CAC (CAC score >0, n = 9 4) and compared with age- and smoking status-matched control subjects (CAC score >0, n = 94). Results Levels of hsCRP in the highest quartile were related to the followi ng coronary risk factors: smoking status, low-density lipoprotein cholester ol, body mosi index, glycosylated hemoglobin, fibrinogen, and homocysteine. The mean hsCRP level was similar in cases (+CAC, 0.20 +/- 0.22 mg/dL) and controls (-CAC, 0.19 +/- 0.21 mg/dl; P = .81) and was unrelated to the log- transformed CAC score (r < 0.01, P = .91). Multivariable analysis controlli ng for standard risk factors, aspirin, and statin therapy found only that l ow-density lipoprotein cholesterol was related to CAC. Conclusions Despite associations with standard and emerging cardiovascular risk factors, hsCRP is unrelated to the presence and extent of calcified su bclinical atherosclerosis. Thin implies that CAC to disease marker) and hsC RP (a process marker) may be complementary for the prediction of cardiovasc ular risk.