High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: To Measure or not to Measure?

ABSTRACT

Based on evidence that inflammatory processes play a fundamental role in the development of cardiovascular disease, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is considered a powerful risk marker for cardiovascular events. Irrespective of a potential role in risk prediction, recent evidence implicates a direct involvement of CRP per se in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In the present article we review the literature concerning clinical studies assessing the association between hsCRP concentration and cardiovascular disease. Measurement of hsCRP levels may help guiding medical treatment initiation and adjustment in certain groups of subjects both in the primary and secondary prevention.