HIGHLY SENSITIVE C - REACTIVE PROTEIN IN HYPERTENSION, AS A POTENTIAL MARKER OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS A CASE-CONTROL HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY

As inflammation had a role in every stage of atherogenesis and hypertension, in turn leading to Cardiovascular Disease. Hs-CRP level estimation can be an important screening method for assessing the risk. Thus, this study to evaluate the effect of essential hypertension on hsCRP levels in Indian adult population. As well as clustering of other cardiovascular risk factors in comparison with a control group in a population. Acase-control study was carried out in of Era's Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Lucknow, and Uttar Pradesh. All patients coming in out-patient department were screened for inclusion & exclusion criteria. Those selected were subjected to screening of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases & serum hs CRP estimation.Significant CAD risk factors in our cases came out to be: higher weight (p-value: 0.0470), raised BMI (>25) (p-value: 0.005), higher waist circumference (p-value: 0.0010) & smoking (p-value: 0.008). Average hs-CRP values in the hypertensive group (cases) was higher (2.85 ± 2.4 mg/L) than in normotensive group (control) (2.36 ± 2.08 mg/L). No significant difference in values among the controlled & uncontrolled group of previously diagnosed hypertensives was observed but a significant difference was found between newly diagnosed Stage I & Stage II hypertensives.Also, though not significant a rising trend was noted in hs-CRP values with an increase in the risk category. On CAD risk stratification according to hs CRPvalues cases hada significantly higher prevalence of hs-CRP levels than controls. Conclusion: The study did not reveal any significant difference in hs CRPvalues in hypertensives than from the normotensive population. But the significant difference between Stage I & Stage II of hypertension was observed in hs-CRPvalues.