High-sensitivity C-reactive protein affects central haemodynamics and augmentation index in apparently healthy persons

Abstract

This study shows that plasma levels of hsCRP are positively correlated with AIx, central pulse pressure and central systolic blood pressure. Apparently healthy subjects with increased inflammatory markers have increased systemic arterial stiffness, which might reflect early atherosclerotic changes. Our results suggest that hsCRP and non-invasively measured arterial stiffness could serve as additional tools, beside conventional cardiovascular risk factors, for assessment of global arterial risk and preclinical atherosclerotic changes in arteries.