June 20, 2005

C-Reactive Protein and Heart Disease Risk

As cholesterol builds up on artery walls, blood vessels shrink and blood pressure goes up. Now, there's a new test to help predict dangerous ruptures in those clogged arteries -- ruptures that can lead to heart attack or stroke. The cheap, easy blood test measures circulating levels of an inflammation-linked compound called C-reactive protein (CRP), and it's becoming increasingly popular in doctor's offices nationwide. (HealthDay News)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Heart Disease