High Sensitivity C Reactive Protien (HSCRP) Levels and Correlation with Lipid Profile in Hypertension

BACKGROUND: Highly sensitive C reactive protein (HsCRP) levels a risk marker of future cardiovascular events can be elevated in patients with hypertension independent of dyslipidemia. OBJECTIVE: To find if any association exists between HsCRP and Lipid levels of patients with hypertension and assess the usefulness of HsCRP as a risk stratification in predicting future coronary artery disease. Based on the results provide primary prevention strategies for patients with moderate to high risk for CAD. METHODS AND MATERIALS: HsCRP and fasting lipid profile were measured in 50 hypertensive patients with a history of HTN for more than 6 months duration, who are on antihypertensive treatment. Serum HsCRP levels were catagorised into 3 groups ( 3mg/L high risk). The HsCRP levels and its association with hypertension and correlation with lipid profile was analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. RESULTS: In this observational study subjects with hypertension were categorized according to JNC 7 classification of hypertension. Subjects were grouped into duration of hypertension were compared with HsCRP levels and subjects categorized into 3 risk categories of 3mg/L high risk. There was significant number of patients in the moderate risk category with HsCRP levels between 1-3mg/L (p value < 0.001) but no statistical significance observed when correlated with the duration of hypertension or with the levels of Total cholesterol, LDL-C and HDL-C. CONCLUSION: In summary, this study observed that HsCRP levels of > 1-3mg/L were elevated significantly in subjects with hypertension (p value < 0.001) irrespective of their BP levels and duration of hypertension.There was no statistical significance and correlation between levels of HsCRP with levels of LDL-C or HDL-C. HsCRP levels can be evaluated in hypertensive individuals who do not have symptomatic CAD irrespective of abnormal Lipid profile and can be provided with primary prevention to prevent future cardiovascular events.