Abstract

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) has become endemic in recent times and has become a leading cause of death in India. Atherosclerosis and arterial stiffening are the major sequelae to CAD. Among many risk factors, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) has been shown to be strongly associated with CAD and subsequent arterial stiffening. However, there is a paucity of literature of this association in Indian population. Therefore, the present study is aimed to assess the correlation between hsCRP and arterial stiffness in CAD. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of the study were (i) to asses hsCRP levels in CAD, (ii) to evaluate the arterial stiffness and lipid profile in CAD, and (iii) to correlate hsCRP and arterial stiffness in CAD. Material and Methods: It is a cross-sectional study of 50 angiographically proven CAD cases and 50 healthy control participants. hsCRP was measured by fluorescent immunoassay using Finecare kit. Pulse wave analysis of augmentation index (AIX) and subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) was carried out using sphygmocor (EM3). Lipid profile parameters were measured by the enzymatic method. All the measured parameters were analyzed by student “t” test using SPSS version 22.
Results: There is a significant difference in hsCRP levels (P < 0.0001), AIX (P < 0.005), SEVR (P < 0.0001), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P < 0.05) in CAD cases when compared to controls. A positive correlation was observed between hsCRP and AIX and found a negative correlation between hsCRP and HDL. Conclusion: The present study concludes that there is a significant elevation of hsCRP in established cases of CAD in Indian population. hsCRP and arterial stiffness are strongly associated with CAD independent of hyperlipidemia.