Dr. Anreder's Health Updates - 01 November 2004
C-Reactive Protein
An important Cardiovascular Risk Indicator:
Most of Peconic Family Medicine's patients are familiar with the
well-known cardiovascular profile blood tests that include lipid
levels such as HDL or "good cholesterol", LDL, or
"bad cholesterol", and of course total cholesterol measurement.
These blood lipid levels (actually, HDL and LDL are lipoproteins or
transport protein molecules that shuttle cholesterol to and from
arterial walls and the liver) are valued indicators that can
predict the risk of future heart attacks, strokes and the
progression of hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis.
Now, with the C-Reactive Protein (also known as cardio-CRP or
hs-CRP) blood test, we get an added dimension to cardiovascular
risk measurement.
The cardio-CRP blood test is a measure of systemic or general
INFLAMMATION in the body. Inflammation or the activation of
various components of the immune system is OK as long as its not
excessive or out of balance. If inflammation is excessive then
aging related changes such as arthritis and atherosclerosis can
progress. A high cardio-CRP level tells us that the immune
system is in overdrive and that trouble is afoot.
We know that certain diseases are associated with higher CRP levels,
such as diabetes and bacterial infections.
What does a high CRP test indicate? Studies have shown that higher CRP
levels are associated with up to twice the risk for heart attack
or other catastrophic cardiovascular events like strokes.
A high CRP may indicate or help to distinguish those people who
may have UNSTABLE vascular plaque that will more likely lead to
a vascular event like heart attack or stroke.
How does one interpret the CRP or cardio-CRP result?
Over 4 mg/ml = High Risk
From 1-3 mg/ml = Moderate Risk
Less than 1mg/ml = Low-Normal risk
What can be done to lower CRP levels?
Proven Effective:
1. Aspirin 81-325mg (enteric coated preferred)/day
2. Statin drug therapy (i.e., lipitor, zocor)
Probably Effective:
1. Diets low in transfats, low in saturated fats and rich in
essential fats (omega 3 oils such as those found in deep water
fish, flax seed, and walnuts).
2. Mixed natural vitamin E 400-800 IU/day.
3. Natural anti-inflammatory foods and supplements such as garlic,
turmeric, and ginger.
What else should be done if CRP levels are elevated?
1. Stop smoking and any tobacco use.
2. Control and normalize high blood pressure.
3. Regulate diabetes.
4. Treat any periodontal or gingival (gum) disease.
Who should have a CRP test?
Anyone with moderate or high risk for heart or vascular disease:
History of diabetes, high blood pressure, tobacco dependency,
family history of heart disease, obesity, high cholesterol or
elevated lipids or those with a known history of heart or
vascular disease.
