The prognostic value of pre-procedural plasma C-reactive protein in patients undergoing elective coronary angioplasty

Abstract

Pre-procedural C-reactive protein levels are increased in 45% of patients undergoing elective coronary angioplasty. An increased C-reactive protein level is a powerful independent prognostic indicator for subsequent cardiac events, suggesting that late clinical outcome is markedly influenced by pre-procedural systemic activation of inflammation.