ISMJ

Background: The measurement of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) serum concentration has been suggested as an inflammatory agent in screening of high risk individuals for ischemic heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of this protein with ischemic heart disease in the northern Persian Gulf population. Material and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 1615 (49.8% males, 50.2 % females) subjects over 25 years old were selected using a random cluster sampling technique in the northern Persian Gulf region. Cardiovascular risk factors in these subjects were studied according to WHO MONICA standard questionnaire. Minnesota code criteria’s were used in resting EKG to identify ischemic EKG. Serum level of hs-CRP was measured by ELISA. Results: Overall, 33.3 % of the participants had high levels of hs-CRP>3 mg/l. The geometrical means of hs-CRP in subjects with ischemic heart disease (2.96+3.75 mg/l) was higher than the normal subjects (1.84+3.84 mg/l) p(3mg/l and ischemic heart disease [Odds ratio= 1.67, CI95% (1.21-2.30) p = 0.002]. Conclusion: In over 25 years old of northern Persian Gulf population, hs-CRP was independently associated with ischemic heart disease. Thus, the measurement of hs-CRP in those who have intermediate risk for cardiovascular diseasess is recommended.