-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
High CRP and Cardiovascular Risk
Introduction
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation in the body. A high CRP level can indicate various health issues, including infections, chronic diseases, and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
CRP and the Heart
CRP itself does not cause heart disease, but its elevated levels are associated with higher risks of heart attacks and strokes. Chronic inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), which can lead to serious cardiovascular complications.
Causes of High CRP
Some common reasons for elevated CRP levels include: - Infections (viral or bacterial) - Chronic inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) - Obesity (fat tissue contributes to inflammation) - Smoking (toxins increase inflammation) - Diabetes (linked to low-grade inflammation) - Hypertension (high blood pressure damages arteries)
How to Reduce CRP and Cardiovascular Risk
1. Lifestyle Changes
- Healthy Diet: Follow the Mediterranean or DASH diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats.
- Exercise Regularly: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation lowers inflammation.
- Manage Weight: Reducing obesity decreases CRP levels.
2. Medical Management
- Statins: These cholesterol-lowering drugs can also reduce CRP levels.
- Aspirin: May be used in some high-risk individuals to lower inflammation.
- Diabetes Control: Properly managing blood sugar helps lower CRP.
- Blood Pressure Control: Keeps arteries healthy and reduces inflammation.
Conclusion
While high CRP is not a direct cause of heart disease, it signals increased cardiovascular risk. Addressing inflammation through lifestyle changes and medical therapy can help lower CRP and improve heart health.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/inflammation-and-heart-disease
- https://professional.heart.org/en/research-programs
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12551878/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/research-programs/aha-funded-research/strategic-networks/sfrn-on-inflammation-in-cardiac-and-neurovascular-disease
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Prevention
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-Prevention-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.