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ESC Congress 2003: C-reactive protein, an inflammatory biomarker, predicts progression of aortic valve stenosis
August 31, 2003IMPORTANT: This press release accompanies a poster or oral session given at the ESC Congress 2003. Written by the investigator himself/herself, this press release does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Society of Cardiology
Aortic stenosis (AS) is the narrowing or obstruction of the heart's aortic valve, which prevents it from opening properly and blocks the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. AS is common in the ageing population and has become the most frequent native valve disease in Europe. AS when severe, may cause left heart failure, fainting or angina, but the natural progression of less severe degrees is highly variable.
The risk factors for the development of AS are the same as that of atherosclerosis (male sex, smoking, hypertension, age, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes), and some of these seem to have an effect on AS progression as well. Numerous studies have identified inflammation as a major component of atherosclerosis complications and have shown that blood levels of C-reactive protein are elevated many years before a first heart attack or stroke occurs. C-reactive protein is a protein in the body whose level increases when blood vessels become inflamed, so measuring cardiovascular risk is thought to be possible by assessing C-reactive protein levels.
Accordingly, to these data, we have studied the possible association between inflammation, as detected by C-reactive protein levels, and progression of AS.
Our study was carried out in Salamanca, Spain. We looked at 43 patients with AS. We performed an echocardiogram and measured the blood levels of C-reactive protein at the beginning of the study, and we saw that patients with higher levels of C-reactive protein had more rapid progression of AS than patients with lower levels, when we repeat the echocardiogram six months later.
The mechanism of this is still under investigation, but raises the possibility that AS and atherosclerosis may share common pathophysiology pathways. Ability to predict AS progression has clinical implications in patients with AS, and could help in the selection of patients who are likely to benefit from early aortic valve replacement.
Pedro L Sanchez
University Hospital, Salamanca, Spain
European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Atherosclerosis Current Events and Atherosclerosis News RSSEstrogen therapy could be dangerous for women with existing heart risk
Hormone therapy could accentuate certain pre-existing heart disease risk factors and a heart health evaluation should become the norm when considering estrogen replacement, new research suggests.
Researchers identify how binge drinking may drive heart disease
As the holidays arrive, a group of researchers has identified the precise mechanisms by which binge drinking contributes to clogs in arteries that lead to heart attack and stroke, according to a study published today in the journal Atherosclerosis.
A scientific breakthrough on the control of the bad cholesterol
A study performed by the team of Dr. Nabil G. Seidah, Director of the Biochemical Neuroendocrinology Research Unit at the IRCM, shows for the very first time that the degradation by PCSK9 of the LDLR receptor
Bad cholesterol inhibits the breakdown of peripheral fat
he so called bad cholesterol (LDL) inhibits the breakdown of fat in cells of peripheral deposits, according to a study from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet. The discovery reveals a novel function of LDL as a regulator of fat turnover besides its well-established detrimental effects in promoting atherosclerosis.
Vitamin C lowers levels of heart disease biomarker, finds study, adds to debate of health benefits
A new study led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, adds to the evidence that vitamin C supplements can lower concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), a central biomarker of inflammation that has been shown to be a powerful predictor of heart disease and diabetes.
Genetics for personalized coronary heart disease treatment
Identifying a single, common variation in a person's genetic information improves prediction of his or her risk of a heart attack or other heart disease events and thus, choice of the best treatment accordingly, said researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Low risk for heart attack? Could an ultrasound hold the answer?
By adding the results of an imaging technique to the traditional risk factors for coronary heart disease, doctors at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found they were able to improve prediction of heart attacks in people previously considered low risk.
Low-dose aspirin does not appear to reduce risk of CV events in patients with diabetes
Low-dose aspirin as primary prevention did not appear to significantly reduce the risk of a combined end point of coronary, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study in JAMA.
Friend or foe? How the body's clot-busting system speeds up atherosclerosis
Sometimes it's hard to tell friends from foes, biologically speaking. Naturally produced in the body, urokinase plasminogen activator and plasminogen interact to break up blood clots and recruit clean-up cells to clear away debris related to inflammation. In fact, urokinase manufactured as a drug effectively clears clogged arteries by generating clot-busting plasmin from blood-derived plasminogen.
Mounting evidence shows health benefits of grape polyphenols
A growing body of research data suggests that consuming foods rich in polyphenols from grapes, including red wine, helps reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a review article in the November issue of Nutrition Research.
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