Association of inflammatory markers with angiographic severity and extent of coronary artery disease

Abstract 

Inflammatory processes play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and mediate many of the stages of atheroma development, from initial leukocyte recruitment to eventual rupture of the unstable atherosclerotic plaque. Several systemic inflammatory markers reflect different degrees of inflammation and have been indicated as independent risk factors in cardiovascular disease, especially in unstable coronary syndromes. However, whether elevated levels of circulating inflammatory markers play a role in the extent and severity of atherosclerosis remains controversial. The present review summarizes our current understanding of the relationship between inflammatory markers and the presence and extent of coronary atherosclerosis, in order to assess the potential utility of these markers in identifying patients with higher levels of atherosclerotic burden.

Abbreviations: ACS, acute coronary syndromes, CAD, coronary artery disease, CRP, C-reactive protein, (IL), interleukin, SA, stable angina, TNF, tumor necrosis factor

Keywords: C-reactive protein, Atherosclerosis, Inflammation, Coronary angiography