June 10, 2009

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Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in the fall showed that women with high levels of C-reactive protein, known as CRP, were twice as likely to have heart attacks.

CRP is a substance produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream in response to inflammation in the body. Inflammation plays an important role in the development of heart disease. The inflammation occurs in the blood vessel walls in the beginning stages of atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque.

"Elevated CRP levels are an independent risk
factor for heart attack and stroke, especially in women," says Pamela Marcovitz, M.D., medical director of the Ministrelli Women's Heart Center at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. "In some cases, it's even more predictive than LDL cholesterol levels."

A blood test can confirm the presence of elevated CRP levels.

Find out where Beaumont offers laboratory services in your area.