Abstract:
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a highly sensitive marker of inflammation and tissue
injury. This study aims to evaluate the changes in the CRP levels in the serum in patients with
Ischemic Heart diseases and to evaluate the utility of CRP levels as a diagnostic and prognostic
tool of myocardial ischemia and infarction. Methods: We carried out a case-control study over
18 months wherein the study groups are compared with healthy control group with respect to
their CRP values on admission, after 48 hours and at the end of one week. Study group included
Stable angina group (n=25), Unstable angina (UA) group (n=25) and AMI group (n=50) along
with healthy control group (n=25). Results: The mean ( ± SD) age group in our study groups was
matched with the control group. Males dominated the present study groups and control
groups. In UA group, majority 80% of patients had raised CRP (1.776 ± 2.68 mg/dl) compared
to control group and stable angina group. In AMI group all patients had a raised CRP (4.752 ±
4.56 mg/dl) on admission and these values were higher compared to UA group and control
group (p < 0.001). In UA group 16% and in AMI group 66% developed complication and both
these groups had significantly higher CRP levels on admission as compared to those patients
who had no complications (P < 0.001). The patients who expired also had significantly higher
CRP values (9.45 ± 5.435 mg/dl) on admission as compared to those without any
complications (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Higher the CRP value on admission and 48 hours more
is the risk of complications and death. Hence CRP values help in risk stratification and
predicting the prognosis.