A Message from the Heart
A new test could save the lives of millions who don't even know they're in danger
A telltale protein
The level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood responds to a cycle of inflammation now understood to cause heart disease.
[Drawing is not available.]
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Early inflammation
An inflamed pocket of fatty "soft plaque" begins to form.
Coronary artery
Normal coronary artery
CRP molecules
Triggered by the inflamed plaque, molecules of CRP build up in the blood.
Advanced inflammation
Stimulated by chemicals that promote inflammation, the pocket of plaque continues to grow.
The pocket bulges into the artery channel.
CRP concentration rises.
Stephen Rountree--USN&WR
The CRP effect
A high level of C-reactive protein (CRP) dramatically raises the chance of heart attack or stroke.
[Complete chart data are not available.]
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Odds of a cardiovascular event in the next 10 years
0-1 pct.
2-4 pct.
5-9 pct.
10 pct. or more
High risk
Low risk
CRP below 1.0*
CRP 1.0-3.0
CRP above 3.0
* milligrams per liter
Sources: Framingham Heart Study; Paul Ridker, Brigham and Women's Hospital
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