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Does C-reactive protein predict cardiovascular events in women better than LDL?
PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent predictor of a first cardiovascular event in women and appears to be a stronger predictor than low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.

Unfortunately, this information does not lead directly to a therapeutic intervention. As an accompanying editorial stated, low carotenoid levels also predict cardiovascular events, but supplementation with beta carotene does not reduce an individual’s risk.1

This study does not clarify whether CRP is a causative agent, a marker, or a result of cardiovascular disease. Our focus should remain on identifying and treating conventional risk factors until we better understand the exact role CRP has in therapeutic decisions regarding cardiovascular disease.

 
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Practice Recommendations from Key Studies

Ridker PM, Rifai N, Rose L, Buring JE, Cook NR. Comparison of C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the prediction of first cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med 2002; 347:1557–1565.

James J. Stevermer, MD, MSPH
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia.

stevermerj@health.missouri.edu

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The Journal of Family Practice - 52(3)
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Page Number
183-200
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Practice Recommendations from Key Studies

Ridker PM, Rifai N, Rose L, Buring JE, Cook NR. Comparison of C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the prediction of first cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med 2002; 347:1557–1565.

James J. Stevermer, MD, MSPH
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia.

stevermerj@health.missouri.edu

Author and Disclosure Information

Practice Recommendations from Key Studies

Ridker PM, Rifai N, Rose L, Buring JE, Cook NR. Comparison of C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the prediction of first cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med 2002; 347:1557–1565.

James J. Stevermer, MD, MSPH
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia.

stevermerj@health.missouri.edu

Article PDF
Article PDF
PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent predictor of a first cardiovascular event in women and appears to be a stronger predictor than low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.

Unfortunately, this information does not lead directly to a therapeutic intervention. As an accompanying editorial stated, low carotenoid levels also predict cardiovascular events, but supplementation with beta carotene does not reduce an individual’s risk.1

This study does not clarify whether CRP is a causative agent, a marker, or a result of cardiovascular disease. Our focus should remain on identifying and treating conventional risk factors until we better understand the exact role CRP has in therapeutic decisions regarding cardiovascular disease.

 
PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent predictor of a first cardiovascular event in women and appears to be a stronger predictor than low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.

Unfortunately, this information does not lead directly to a therapeutic intervention. As an accompanying editorial stated, low carotenoid levels also predict cardiovascular events, but supplementation with beta carotene does not reduce an individual’s risk.1

This study does not clarify whether CRP is a causative agent, a marker, or a result of cardiovascular disease. Our focus should remain on identifying and treating conventional risk factors until we better understand the exact role CRP has in therapeutic decisions regarding cardiovascular disease.

 
Issue
The Journal of Family Practice - 52(3)
Issue
The Journal of Family Practice - 52(3)
Page Number
183-200
Page Number
183-200
Publications
Publications
Topics
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Does C-reactive protein predict cardiovascular events in women better than LDL?
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Does C-reactive protein predict cardiovascular events in women better than LDL?
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