Insulin Resistance Tied to Peripheral Artery Disease Jun 18, 2008
Insulin resistance was independently associated with PAD after the researchers adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, body mass index, chronic kidney disease and blood levels of c-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. "We found a roughly 25 percent increase in the risk of PAD for each one-quartile increase in HOMA-IR, a finding that remained consistent despite adjustment for typical atherosclerosis risk factors related to insulin resistance such as... (MEDLINEplus)
Elderly Dementia and Delirium Jun 16, 2008
During the exam, the physician will also use blood tests and urinalysis to determine complete blood count (CBC), electrolytes, liver function, and detect C-reactive protein to detect physical causes of delirium. Additional tests such as a brain CT, electrocardiogram, or chest x-ray may also be required. (Suite101.com)
Russert death shows massive heart attack isn't easy to predict Jun 16, 2008
Over the past few years, researchers led by Paul Ridker of Harvard have shown that testing for a chemical signal of inflammation, called C-reactive protein, or CRP, can add predictive power. But many heart attacks are still unpredictable. (USA Today)
Hormone Activity Tied to Men's Longevity Jun 12, 2008
They note that there is evidence that IGF-1 may help lower levels of certain inflammatory substances, like C-reactive protein, which are thought to be involved in heart disease progression. However, the role of IGF-1 activity in human longevity is "far from clear," Dr. Joseph Janssen, one of the researchers on the study, told Reuters Health. (MEDLINEplus)
Cold Air Boosts Inflammation in Body Jun 9, 2008
In a study of adults with a history of heart attack, researchers observed that 5 consecutive days of colder weather lead to increased blood levels of two markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, or CRP, and interleukin-6). Levels of the inflammatory marker fibrinogen rise after only 3 days of cold temperatures, they report. (Newsmax)
College Drinking and Heart Problems Jun 7, 2008
New research from the American Heart Association (AHA) reveals that college students who drink excessively can double their levels of something known as C-reactive protein (CRP), a biological marker for inflammation that has been associated with a higher chance of cardiovascular problems. The study asked 25 college students to complete surveys assessing CRP risk factors such as smoking, medication use and alcohol use. (Time.com)
Stroke riskin womenoften missed Jun 4, 2008
When you get your cholesterol tested, ask your doctor to also check your levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein, or hs-CRP. Raised levels signal inflammation; an hs-CRP over 3 mg/l means an increased stroke risk, no matter how low your cholesterol, says Paul Ridker, MD, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. Pick produce Two large studies have found that each daily serving of fruits or vegetables trims stroke risk by 6... (MSNBC -- Health)
Coronary Calcium Distribution Tied To Heart Attack Risk May 29, 2008
20, 2002) Using a simple, inexpensive test to determine levels of C-reactive protein in the blood, researchers were able to detect heart disease before symptoms were apparent, according to a report in. . (Science Daily)
Blood cholesterol levels predict risk of heart disease due to hormone therapy May 24, 2008
Usefulness of Baseline Lipids and C-Reactive Protein in Women Receiving Menopausal Hormone Therapy as Predictors of Treatment-Related Coronary Events, will be published in the June 1 issue of the American Journal of Cardiology. The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health. (EurekAlert!)
Al Dente: When physicians and dentists talk May 23, 2008
C-reactive protein is a marker for inflammation, atherosclerosis and periodontal disease. Worsening periodontal disease raises the level of C-reactive protein. (Malden Observer, MA)
Moms Stress During Pregnancy May Harm Baby May 22, 2008
Increased levels of inflammatory markerslike C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and immune cellsin the blood heighten the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Childhood stress from maltreatment may prevent hormones called glucocorticoids from impeding inflammation. (Informify)
Cholesterol Test Spots When HRT Raises Heart Risks May 22, 2008
Researchers obtained cholesterol and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels related to 271 coronary heart disease "events" occurring in women during the first four years of the WHI, and compared them to a group of more than 700 controls. As it turned out, the ratio of LDL ("bad") cholesterol to HDL ("good") cholesterol at the beginning of the trial did seem to predict which women were prone to problems while taking HRT.. (Health-Finder)
Study finds it pays to be heart smart if considering hormone therapy May 22, 2008
The study looked at levels of blood lipids and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in women who did not have any previous cardiovascular disease. The results indicate those who entered the study with favorable cholesterol levels were not at increased risk of developing heart problems while taking hormones (estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin), whereas women with unfavorable cholesterol levels were at a greater risk of having heart related complications. (EurekAlert!)
Stress in pregnancy raises000010F8 baby's risks May 20, 2008
High levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and immune cells increase a person's risk of heart disease and diabetes. "Stress in childhood may modify developmental trajectories and have a long-term effect on disease risk," said Danese, who presented his findings last week at a conference in Chicago on how early influences affect health and well-being. (MSNBC -- Health)
Biomarkers Predict Heart Deaths May 16, 2008
In the study, Arnlov and his colleagues tested 1,135 men, average age 71, for four body chemicals: troponin I, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), cystatin C and C-reactive protein ... Cystatic C levels test for kidney function, BNP tests measure the effectiveness of treatment for heart failure, and C-reactive protein level is a measure of overall inflammation. (MEDLINEplus)
Biomarkers to Predict Death from Cardiovascular Causes May 15, 2008
Methods We used data from the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM), a community-based cohort of elderly men, to investigate whether a combination of biomarkers that reflect myocardial cell damage, left ventricular dysfunction, renal failure, and inflammation (troponin I, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide, cystatin C, and C-reactive protein, respectively) improved the risk stratification of a person beyond an assessment that was based on the established risk factors for... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Gum Disease, Inflammation Risky for Pregnant Women May 9, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Pregnant women with gum disease and high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) -- a marker of inflammation in the body -- are at increased risk of developing preeclampsia, a potentially serious complication involving high blood pressure that often leads to premature delivery. "Maternal periodontal (gum) disease clearly contributes to an increased risk of preeclampsia," lead investigator Dr. Michael Ruma told Reuters Health, "and our results demonstrate that this risk is... (MEDLINEplus)
Obesity-Related Inflammation Boosts Heart Risks May 8, 2008
On average, obese participants were found to have higher blood levels of key immune system proteins involved in inflammation (interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen) than non-obese participants. A near doubling of average interleukin 6 levels alone was associated with an 84 percent increased risk of heart failure. (MEDLINEplus)
Urgent: Stop gum disease May 5, 2008
Plus, oral bacteria provoke inflammation, which may increase levels of white blood cells and C-reactive protein ... In a recent trial, periodontal therapy reduced patients C-reactive protein levels. (Montana Standard, MT)
Click for Story May 3, 2008
People who ate the whole wheat or grain versions of the foods had a 38 percent reduction in c-reactive protein. That protein can put you at risk for having a heart attack or stroke. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Birth Size Linked to Weight Gain and Inflammation May 2, 2008
Using data from a study in northern Finland that began in 1966, the researchers examined the relationships between fetal growth, weight gain from childhood to adulthood, and low-grade inflammation measured by blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a "biomarker" for inflammation, meaning higher than normal levels suggest inflammation is occurring. Included in the analysis were 5,840 participants who attended a clinical examination at 31 years of age that included CRP measurement. (MEDLINEplus)
Biomarkers Prognostic in Heart Failure Patients May 2, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Lower vitamin D levels and higher C-reactive protein levels are associated with poor aerobic capacity and greater frailty in elderly patients with heart failure, according to findings published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society ... They hypothesized that factors known to affect muscle health, such as testosterone and vitamin D, and biomarkers of inflammation, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and IL-6, will predict function and frailty... (MEDLINEplus)
New Heart Disease Markers Discovered May 2, 2008
THURSDAY, April 24 (HealthDay News) -- High levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker that may warn of impending heart disease, are tied to variations in genes that control metabolism, two new studies show ... Still unresolved, however, is the exact nature of the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and cardiovascular disease. (MEDLINEplus)
Soy Protein Beneficial in Type 2 Diabetics May 2, 2008
In addition, circulating C-reactive protein levels, which signal inflammation in the body, were reduced as were levels of well known urinary markers of kidney disease. Short-term studies have indicated such benefits with soy protein, but the researchers point out that this appears to be the first study that has demonstrated that these effects remain "stable with long-term consumption.". (MEDLINEplus)
Study in 7,000 men and women ties obesity, inflammatory proteins to heart failure risk May 2, 2008
And on average, obese participants were found to have higher blood levels of interleukin 6, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, key immune system proteins involved in inflammation, than non-obese adults ... Similarly, a near tripling of average levels of C-reactive protein in study participants increased the chance of heart failure by 36 percent ... C-reactive protein levels are widely known to rise dramatically and speed up the early stages of inflammation when cells swell up with fluid, leading... (EurekAlert!)
Newer Oral Contraceptives May Boost Levels of Heart-Risk Protein Apr 22, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In young, healthy, normal-weight women, use of newer "third-generation" oral contraceptive pills may raise levels of an inflammatory protein linked to heart disease known as C-reactive protein, or CRP -- potentially placing these women at higher risk for blood clots and heart disease, researchers report. Both second- and third-generation birth control pills contain a form of estrogen called ethinylestradiol coupled with another hormone called a progestin. (MEDLINEplus)
DASH Diet Feeds a Healthier Heart Apr 16, 2008
Blood samples revealed that the nurses in the higher DASH score groups had the lowest levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), two compounds that signal inflammation associated with heart disease. Teresa T. Fung, ScD, Simmons College, Boston, and her research colleagues suggest further studies using different population demographics to determine the heart-healthy benefits of the DASH diet in other people and to compare the DASH diet to the healthful benefits of other diets... (MedHeadlines)
Blood Pressure-lowering Diet Also May Be Associated With Lower Risk For Heart Disease, Stroke Apr 16, 2008
In a subgroup of women who provided blood samples, higher DASH scores were also associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin 6. These compounds are markers of inflammation, which has been associated with heart disease risk. (Science Daily)
Michael West: Medicine for an ailing market Apr 16, 2008
Welcome to The Sydney Morning Herald. Skip directly to: Search Box, , , Text Version. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Low Birth Weight And Excessive Weight Gain Linked To Heart Problems In Later Life Apr 14, 2008
The researchers used a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker for general inflammation. CRP is secreted from the liver, is present in blood, and slightly elevated levels can indicate a chronic inflammatory state (low grade inflammation, as opposed to acute inflammation). (Science Daily)
An Apple A Day, Keeps Metabolic Syndrome Away Apr 13, 2008
Additionally, they had significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels that are a measurable marker for cardiovascular risk. Lastly the facts pointed that apple product consumers ate better diets, which included more fruit and key nutrients including dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and potassium. (TopNews)
Blocking The Effect Of Inflammation-causing Cells Lowered Prostate Cancer Cells Invasion Apr 12, 2008
14, 2006) Increased levels of two markers of inflammation, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), are significantly associated with prostate cancer incidence and mortality almost a decade prior to. (Jul. (Science Daily)
Juvenile growth hits heart Apr 12, 2008
Research, published in the European Heart Journal, found that the smaller the baby at birth and the more weight put on during late teenage years, the higher the levels of C-reactive protein in the liver of the adult. CRP has long been linked to heart disease, but this is the first time it has been linked to birth or body weight. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Birth Size, Early Weight Gain Tied to Boost in Heart Risks Apr 12, 2008
The researchers looked at the participant's levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in their blood. The liver secrets CRP, and slightly elevated levels can indicate a chronic, low-grade inflammation. (MEDLINEplus)
Maltreatment During Childhood Associated With Combination Of Inflammation And Depression In Adults Apr 10, 2008
Individuals with current depression and a history of childhood maltreatment were more likely to have a high level of inflammation at age 32, as measured by the presence of the chemical high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the blood. Those with depression but no history of childhood maltreatment did not have this increased risk. (Science Daily)
Apples Lower Risk of Metabolic Disease Apr 9, 2008
Additionally, adult apple product consumers had significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels, another measurable marker related to cardiovascular risk ... Metabolic syndrome, also known as Syndrome X and insulin resistance syndrome, is defined as having three or more of the associated symptoms, which include elevated blood pressure, increased waist size and abdominal fat, and elevated c-reactive protein levels. (Newsmax)
Consumer Reports: If Your Gums Could Speak Apr 8, 2008
Plus, oral bacteria provoke inflammation, which may increase levels of white blood cells and C-reactive protein, known as CRP. This protein, which is found in the blood, has been linked to heart disease. In a recent trial, periodontal therapy reduced patients' CRP levels. (PR Newswire)
MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE: Ads, research undermine Vytorin Apr 5, 2008
While its effect on neck plaque is questionable, the study did show it was more effective than plain Zocor in lowering levels of two other cardiac risk factors: LDL ("bad") cholesterol and C-reactive protein. A bigger study may well prove Vytorin's value. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
AstraZeneca sees study fuelling Crestor sales Apr 3, 2008
Shares in AstraZeneca have jumped more than 8 percent in the last two days, following the surprise news that a clinical trial of Crestor in patients with low cholesterol but raised levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) had ended early because of the unequivocal benefits of treatment. CRP, an inflammatory biomarker, is known to be associated with risk of heart attack. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Diabetes Drug Slows Clogging of Arteries Apr 2, 2008
The authors stated that the exact mechanisms for the decreases associated with Actos were unclear, although several biomarkers linked to atherosclerosis progression were impacted by the drug, including a 16 percent increase in HDL or "good" cholesterol, a 15 percent reduction in triglyceride levels, and a 45 percent drop in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. It's also not clear if the benefits associated with Actos extend to other medications in that class of drugs. (MEDLINEplus)
Another Blow For Schering And Merck Apr 2, 2008
In particular, the patients in the Crestor trial had high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. The protein is thought to be a measure of inflammation in the arteries, and inflamed arteries are more likely to develop the clots that cause heart attacks and strokes. (Forbes -- Business)
Crestor: It worked so well in a trial, the study was halted Apr 1, 2008
Study volunteers did have high levels of C-reactive protein, a sign of artery inflammation that is regarded as a heart attack warning. "They specifically excluded people with diabetes and other people who merit therapy," says Ray Gibbons of the Mayo Clinic. (USA Today)
Six New Type 2 Diabetes Genes Mar 31, 2008
Six New Genes Associated With Type 2 Diabetes Discovered, Including One With Role In Prostate Cancer. Six New Genes Associated With Type 2 Diabetes Discovered, Including One With Role In Prostate Cancer. (Science Daily)
Women 'more grumpy than men' after a bad night's sleep Mar 28, 2008
These feelings were not associated with the same degree of sleep disruption in men," the British media quoted lead researcher Dr Edward Suarez of Duke University as saying.The researchers studied 210 apparently healthy, middle-aged men and women without any history of sleep disorders. Blood was taken and their psychological condition analysed. They found that about 40 per cent of the men and the women were classified as poor sleepers, defined as having frequent problems falling asleep, taking 30... (Daily News & Analysis)
Periodontal Disease Can Lead To Gestational Diabetes, Study Shows Mar 26, 2008
(May 5, 2006) Researchers found that pregnant women with periodontitis had 65 percent higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels compared to periodontally healthy women. This study appears in the May issue of the. (Science Daily)
Lack of Sleep Hurts Women's Hearts Most Mar 22, 2008
Women who were poor sleepers also had higher levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 -- inflammation biomarkers associated with increased risk of heart disease and higher levels of insulin. "Interestingly, it appears that it's not so much the overall poor sleep quality that was associated with greater risk, but rather the length of time it takes a person to fall asleep that takes the highest toll. Women who reported taking a half hour or more to fall asleep showed the worst risk profile,"... (Health-Finder)
International ACTEMRA Rheumatoid Arthritis Study Highlighted in The Lancet Mar 21, 2008
Patients receiving ACTEMRA achieved significantly greater improvement in areas of fatigue and mental function at 24 weeks, and achieved normal levels of hemoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation due to RA, compared with patients receiving placebo plus methotrexate. "We are very encouraged by the findings of the study as they further establish the role of ACTEMRA and its unique blockade of IL-6 receptors as a potential new biologic treatment option for patients with RA,"... (PR Newswire)
Better Regulation Of Home Genetic Tests Needed, Researchers Urge Mar 17, 2008
13, 2000) Heart attack survivors who suffer advanced gum disease show significantly higher levels of a protein in their blood called C-reactive protein (CRP) than such patients without gum disease, new. (Jun. (Science Daily)
Poked for health Mar 15, 2008
Highly sensitive c-reactive protein: 40. Article Rating. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Heart-Risk Protein Unaltered by Daily Psyllium Mar 15, 2008
Their objective was to see whether daily fiber supplementation would lower blood levels of C-reactive protein or CRP and other markers of inflammation. High CRP levels are a common feature of obesity and have been linked to diabetes, the metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and other risk factors for heart disease. (MEDLINEplus)
New Potential Drug Target For The Treatment Of Atherosclerosis Mar 7, 2008
27, 2004) C-reactive protein, already accepted as indicating a risk of heart disease, also participates in the process of atherosclerosis that narrows heart arteries, said a Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). (Jul. (Science Daily)
Performance of Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 serum levels in pediatric oncology patients with neutropenia and fever for the assessment of low-risk Mar 6, 2008
A prospective study was performed to assess the potential value of IL-6, IL-8 and C-reactive protein serum levels to predict severe bacterial infection or bacteremia in febrile neutropenic children with cancer during chemotherapy. Statistical test used: Friedman test, Wilcoxon-Test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Mann-Whitney U-Test and Receiver Operating Characteristics. (BioMed Central)
Screening Tests for Heart Health Mar 5, 2008
A C-reactive protein, (CRP) blood test. The CRP, a marker of inflammation in the body, should be under three. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Effect of tumor necrosis factor a inhibitors on heart failure risk in RA Patients Feb 28, 2008
Recorded at baseline and regular intervals through the 60-month follow-up, data on every patient included C-reactive protein level, duration of morning stiffness, and the number of tender and swollen joints, based on the 28-joint count Disease Activity Score (DAS). Cardiovascular events, whether acute or congestive, were also noted. (EurekAlert!)
Health Watch: How survivors of violence heal from trauma Feb 26, 2008
Patients with depressive symptoms and hostility were more prone to higher levels of the inflammatory proteins interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein -- each of which have been linked to heart disease risk. -- HealthDay. (Marion Daily Republican, IL)
Whole grains help deflate belly rolls Feb 21, 2008
In a study of obese adults at risk of heart disease, researchers found that those who trimmed calories and increased their whole-grain intake shed more belly fat and lowered their blood levels of C-reactive protein or CRP.. CRP is a marker of chronic, low-level inflammation in the blood vessels, and both abdominal fat and CRP, in excess, are linked to heart attack and stroke. (MSNBC -- Health)
Dangerous duo: Hostility plus depression elevates risk for heart disease Feb 12, 2008
Dr. Stewart and colleagues examined associations of depressive symptoms and hostility with blood levels of two inflammatory proteins, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, that are predictive of future heart disease. Participants in the study were 316 healthy men and women aged 50-70. (EurekAlert!)
Get smart about your heart Feb 11, 2008
To rule out an MI, be sure to insist on tests such as EKGs and blood tests measuring cardiac enzymes and C-reactive protein. Lynda Shrager is an occupational therapist, author and professional health organizing consultant from Slingerlands, N.Y. E-mail: lshrager@otherwisehealthy. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Whole grain diets lower risk of chronic disease Feb 6, 2008
According to Katcher, the whole grain group experienced a 38 percent decrease in C-reactive protein levels in their blood ... "Typically you would expect weight loss to be associated with a decrease in C-reactive protein, but the refined grain group showed no decrease in this marker of inflammation even though they lost weight," said Kris-Etherton ... So even though people in the refined grain group lost weight, the fact that they ate so many refined grains probably negated the beneficial effect... (EurekAlert!)
The HLA-DRB1 gene and premature death in rheumatoid arthritis Jan 31, 2008
A marker of inflammation, elevation of the C-reactive protein (CRP) level has been shown to predict CVD in the general population ... Starting anywhere between 1989 and 1994, data on file for each participant included the results of blood tests for rheumatoid factor (RF), elevation of the C-reactive protein (CRP), and anti-CCP antibodies; evaluations of joint pain and functional disability; smoking habits; and, when applicable, the cause and date of death. (EurekAlert!)
Anti-Inflammatory Drug Improves Glycemia, Lowers Inflammation in Obese, Young Adults Jan 28, 2008
"We know they can reduce that risk by losing weight and increasing physical activity. But many people aren't good at maintaining those types of lifestyle changes over the long-term. Those people can be helped through pharmaceutical interventions. Our study was the first to look at the metabolic changes that occur when you give salsalate to obese people who have not yet developed diabetes. And we're really encouraged by what we found." Specifically, the study found that people who took 4 grams... (PR Newswire)
Anti-Inflammatory Drug May Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Jan 28, 2008
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Critical things to know about your cholesterol Jan 25, 2008
You measure it by adding a test for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to the usual cholesterol blood work ... That means your C-reactive protein levels may help you and your doctor decide how aggressively you need to control borderline-high-cholesterol levels with drugs, diet, and exercise. (CNN -- Health)
Immune Therapy May Help Some Heart Failure Patients Jan 19, 2008
There was also a trend toward a lowering in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in the IMT arm. CRP is a marker of inflammation and this finding, the authors said, indicates that the concept of treating heart failure with immunomodulation is not yet dead. (MEDLINEplus)
What's Next For Vytorin? Jan 16, 2008
And he says imaging studies like ENHANCE have not been proven to be any more meaningful that reductions in LDL or C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation. Zetia does lower those. (Forbes -- Business)
