Analysis of relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and carotid atherosclerosis in elderly hypertensive patients

Objective To investigate the relationship between high- sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and carotid atherosclerosis in elderly hypertensive patients and to deepen recognition of peripheral vascular lesion induced by hypertension. Methods Totally 154 elderly patients with essential hypertension diagnosed according to the criteria of hypertension of WHO/ISH were enrolled in. All these patients were examined by B-mode ultrasound to measure intima media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery and plaque formation. Serum hsCRP of these patients were detected. Then patients were divided into two groups according to result of B-mode ultrasound examination. Difference of serum hsCRP between two groups were analyzed. Results Serum hsCRP was significantly higher in the group with carotid atherosclerosis (CA)than without CA 〔(4.94±4.76) vs (3.12±3.90),P0.05〕. Serum hsCRP was higher in patients with carotid plaque than those of normal IMT and increased IMT 〔(5.38±4.96) vs (3.12±3.90) mg/L,(5.38±4.96) vs (3.55±3.81)mg/L respectively,P0.05)〕. Conclusions Serum hsCRP is strongly associated with carotid atherosclerosis in elderly hypertensive patients. Serum hsCRP is higher in patients with carotid atherosclerosis, especially in patients with plaque.