[C-reactive protein potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease].

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced mainly in the liver upon stimulation by interleukin-6. CRP is part of the acute phase response to inflammation and plasma concentrations rise 100-1000 times in patients with for example bacterial infections. High sensitive methods have made it possible to measure and compare low CRP levels in plasma. Prospective studies have shown that increased but comparatively low plasma CRP concentrations are associated with future coronary heart disease (CHD) in healthy individuals and in patients with known CHD. Further support for an important role for CRP comes from in vitro studies that have suggested that the CRP protein is intimately and actively involved in the atherosclerotic process. This has stimulated the interest for clinical evaluation and treatment of increased plasma CRP levels.