Clinical Use of C-reactive Protein for Cardiovascular Disease
Recent evidence supports an association between elevation of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, and subsequent cardiovascular disease risk. The American Heart Association released guidelines in 2003 to help clinicians know when to use such markers. Because inflammatory markers are associated with diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, knowledge of the role of such markers is extremely important for prevention and chronic disease management. Newer studies published after the guidelines, and another recent review provide further documentation of the growing role of inflammation in cardiovascular risk. Based on the available literature, this article reviews the new guidelines, more recent evidence since the guidelines, and forms recommendations for primary care clinical practice.

Although researchers have published much evidence to support an association between certain inflammatory markers and subsequent cardiovascular disease risk, guidelines on how and when to use such markers have been missing until recently. In late January of 2003, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a joint statement regarding the application and use of clinical inflammatory markers in clinical and public health practice. The evidence cited in that review and another recent review provide new guidelines for clinicians. Based on the available literature, this article reviews the new guidelines, more recent evidence since the guidelines, and forms recommendations for primary care clinical practice.