Role of hs-CRP in Post-MI Sequelae: Insights into Mechanisms and Clinical Significance.

Abstract

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a key marker of inflammation, predominantly produced by hepatocytes and various tissues, including intracardiac tissue, atherosclerotic plaques, and vascular smooth muscles. The biomarker serves as a crucial element of innate immunity and rises in response to various disease processes, including infections and cancers. This rise is triggered by the release of cytokines, primarily interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-1β. The utility of hs-CRP in clinical practice is being further explored, particularly regarding its role in cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Studies have demonstrated that elevated hs-CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and other cardiovascular events. hs-CRP has been suggested to play a role in the development of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias post-MI, although further research is needed to fully clarify this relationship. hs-CRP has been proposed as a potential biomarker for the early detection of post-MI events and be used for cardiovascular disease risk stratification, categorizing individuals into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups. In this study, we discuss the role of hsCRP in predicting adverse outcomes in various cardiovascular conditions, highlighting its potential as a valuable biomarker in clinical practice.