Determinants of CRP level in statin-treated patients

ABSTRACT

Objective: All factors of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are reported to be associated with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. As CRP levels have been found to decrease as a result of statin treatment, the present study was intended to explore the relationship between CRP and the MetS in statin treated patients.

Methods: In this study, the relationship between the components of the MetS and CRP level were analysed and factors determining CRP were identified in patients with longstanding intensive lipid lowering therapy with known cardiovascular disease.

Results: In this population CRP levels are still associated with the MetS, with waist circumference, fasting glucose level and smoking being the most important determinants of CRP levels.

Conclusions: CRP levels are still associated with the MetS in patients treated with intensive lipid lowering therapy.

Key words: :

• Cardiovascular disease
• C-reactive protein
• Metabolic syndrome
• Statins