C-Reactive Protein Levels and Arterial Abnormalities in the Offspring of Patients with Premature Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Aims: To determine whether high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and increased intima-media thickness of the common carotid arteries are coexistent in adolescents and young adults with a family history (FH) of premature myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: 50 healthy young subjects whose parents had had premature MI and 50 control matched subjects were enrolled in the study. CRP levels and the intima-media thickness of the distal common carotid arteries were evaluated in all subjects. Results: As compared with the control subjects, the offspring of patients with premature MI had a higher CRP concentration (mean ± SD 8.8 ± 2.6 versus 3.9 ± 0.6 mg/l, p < 0.02) and greater intima-media thickness of the common carotid arteries (values for combined sides, mean ± SD 0.48 ± 0.02 versus 0.43 ± 0.02 mm, p < 0.03). Conclusion: High serum levels of CRP and arterial structural changes are coexistent at an early age in subjects with an FH of premature MI.