Inflammation, C-Reactive Protein and Cardiovascular Risk

pp 517-523

Abstract

In the past few years inflammation has been identified as a key mechanism in atherogenesis. Its role in the chronic progression of obstructive lesions as well as in ruptures and pro thrombosis related to acute ischemic disease has been demonstrated. C-reactive protein levels in plasma are a sensitive although unspecific reflection of inflammation. C-protein elevation is a marker of risk of progression(peripheral arterial blockades, infarction, stroke) in subjects without previous vascular disease as well as in patients with chronic coronary artery disease, and it is also a risk factor in the acute phase of myocardial infarct and in unstable angina. Its usefulness as a tool to choose the best therapeutic approach has been limited by technical drawbacks and requirement of large prospective studies.