Evaluation of inflammation in hypertensive, pre-hypertensive, and normotensive individuals using CRP and hs-CRP - A descriptive study

Background: The incidence and prevalence of hypertension have been increasing steadily in the present era. Inflammation is a proven key factor in the pathogenesis of hypertension. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a known marker of vascular inflammation leading to hypertension. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is a sensitive marker of assessment of inflammatory changes before the rise in CRP. Aims and Objectives: The goal of this study was to decipher the stage at which inflammation starts related to changes in hypertension using CRP as well as hs-CRP. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study which included 120 individuals, who were subdivided into three groups - Normotensive: 40, pre-hypertensive: 40, and hypertensive. JNC classification was used for the categorization of blood pressure. hs-CRP was analyzed as per the principle of ELISA. Results: There was a significant difference in hs-CRP between normotensive and hypertensive. A strong association between hypertension, CRP, and hs-CRP was found. Conclusion: hs-CRP is a sensitive marker for early assessment of inflammatory components in hypertension.