Predicting the Risk of Heart Attack
Elevated levels of the blood protein CRP can be an indicator of future heart problems. But one expert says standard tests already provide an accurate assessment of risk, and theres no need to add CRP to our current set of diagnostic tests
Friday, March 21, 2003
Listen to Medminute audioThe standard indicators that measure our risk of a heart attack are well known: high blood pressure, obesity and elevated levels of 'bad' cholesterol. New research suggests that another marker - the level of a blood protein called CRP - may be an even better indicator of potential heart trouble. Dr. Bill Kraus, associate professor of cardiology and medicine at Duke University Medical Center, says the value of CRP testing is still an open question. He says it's just one more indicator for a condition called Metabolic Syndrome. "It's characterized by having excessive weight in the abdominal area, high blood pressure and a predisposition to diabetes. I can assess whether an individual has Metabolic Syndrome with a simple tape measure in the clinic, a blood pressure test and a cholesterol measurement." Until we know how to incorporate CRP results into our standard risk profiling and how to treat elevated CRP, Kraus says we should rely on standard measures and proven therapies. "We should continue to encourage exercise, weight control and appropriate diet, and when appropriate, the use of medicines to lower blood cholesterol and control blood sugar." I'm Cabell Smith for MedMinute.
