What we know about C-Reactive Protein and Heart Disease,
continued...
C-Reactive protein testing is becoming one of the newer markers for people
at risk for heart disease.
Elevated C-Reactive protein (CRP) levels have now been validated as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease.
There is no cure for coronary heart disease. However, proper treatment can slow or even halt the progression of atherosclerosis so that the coronary arteries do not become further narrowed. Treatment can also help reduce the risk of a heart attack in people who have coronary heart disease. The first step in fighting coronary heart disease is to make lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors. Doctors recommend that heart patients eat a low-fat diet and keep their blood cholesterol low. Most physicians believe LDL should be less than 100 mg/dl for patients with coronary heart disease. Patients are also encouraged to quit smoking, exercise regularly, and control high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus through diet or medication.
