Distribution of C-reactive protein and its relation to arterial hypertension in a country representing a high-risk region for cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Aims. The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measurement is recommended by ESC/ESH Guidelines 2003 in patients with arterial hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess distribution of hs-CRP in Poland, a country representing a high-risk region for CVD. Methods and results. In 2002, the cross-sectional survey NATPOL PLUS was performed in a representative sample of adults in Poland aged 18-94 years. The questionnaire, anthropometrical and blood pressure measurements, glycaemia, lipidogram and hs-CRP were performed in 2333 respondents. The results of hs-CRP > 10mg/l were excluded from analysis. Mean hs-CRP was 2.03 ± 2.14mg/l (2.13 ± 2.12mg/l in women vs 1.91 ± 2.16mg/l in men; p < 0.05). Hs-CRP ≥ 1 mg/l was observe in 58% of women and in 52% of men (p < 0.05). In hypertensives (≥ 140/90 mmHg or treatment: Women 30% vs men 29%, ns.), hs-CRP ≥ 1 mg/l was found in 74% of women, and in 63% of men. The transformed values of hs-CRP [-1/[hs-CRP]1/2] were higher in hypertensive patients than in normotensives (-0.94 vs -1.05; p < 0.01). Conclusion: (i) The increased level of hs-CRP was found in more than half of adults in Poland. (ii) The hs-CRP is higher in hypertensive patients than in normotensives. (iii) In view of the given results, routine measuresments of hs-CRP in hypertensive patients in a Poland should be reconsidered. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.