C-reactive protein and cardiovascular disease risk stratification

Researchers studied whether C-reactive protein, a blood marker of inflammation, helps estimate a person’s chance of cardiovascular disease, meaning heart and blood-vessel problems. They considered how this test adds to standard information such as age, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. The available record does not give the number of participants or enough detail to judge exactly how well the test worked. C-reactive protein can rise because of many short-term illnesses, not just heart disease.

What this means for you: This does not show that buying a C-reactive protein test or supplement will prevent heart disease. It may provide extra information in some people, but usual risk factors and proven treatments remain more important.