| Relationship between Elevated CRP and Statins |
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However, recent research points to the fact that apart from LDL cholesterol, the levels of C - reactive protein (CRP) also need to be monitored and kept at a minimum level to reduce the risk of heart disease. CRP levels indicate the presence of arterial inflammation. The higher the extent of arterial inflammation, the higher is the level of CRP. The levels of CRP can rise after surgical procedures such as angioplasty and stenting. Arterial inflammation is as life threatening a situation as arterial blockage. CRP levels indicate arterial inflammation, whereas LDL levels point to the possible level of arterial plaque and blockage. The relationship of statins and elevated CRP levels, in a nutshell is, that statins not only reduce the level of LDL cholesterol, but also reduce arterial inflammation and the elevated levels of CRP in patients with arterial inflammation. Statins, a drug group that has been in use for lowering LDL cholesterol, is also effective in lowering elevated CRP levels in patients with arterial inflammation. Statins also help to lower CR levels regardless of the LDL cholesterol levels in patients with elevated CRP levels. Related Articles |