Assessing cardiovascular risk in a patient
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. It is a broad term that encompasses various conditions. Prevention and management strategies for cardiovascular disease include lifestyle modifications (such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation), medications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.
Given the serious nature of cardiovascular diseases and their impact on health, it is crucial to assess the risk of a patient to ensure that prevention and management strategies are in place.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. It is a type of acute-phase protein, meaning its levels increase in response to inflammation. CRP levels can rise quickly in response to various conditions, such as infections, injuries, or inflammatory disorders.
Recent studies suggest that CRP is a strong predictor of future coronary events in apparently healthy subjects and of prognostic value in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Elevated levels of CRP in the blood may indicate an increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease. A CRP test is not specific to cardiovascular disease and can also be influenced by other factors, such as infections or chronic inflammatory conditions. However, when used in combination with other risk factors, it can help assess an individual’s overall risk of heart disease.
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) provide general guidelines for interpreting hs-CRP levels in the context of cardiovascular risk:
Low risk: Less than 1mg/L
Moderate risk: 1-3 mg/L
High risk: 10 mg/L
However, this does not necessarily signify cardiac risk as it can be indicative of inflammation due to other etiologies or infections. It’s important to note that CRP levels are just one of many factors considered when assessing cardiovascular risk, and a healthcare professional will evaluate them in conjunction with other information, such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and overall health history.
The SureScreen CRP Rapid Test is a semi-quantitative, membrane-based immunoassay for the detection of C-reactive protein in whole blood, serum or plasma. During testing, the sample mixture migrates upward to react with the anti-CRP Antibody pre-located on the membrane and generates a purple line if positive. The semi-quantitative reference line, allows the clinician to determine if a patient’s CRP levels are at low, moderate or high. Therefore, clinical intervention can be started immediately based on the results.
