Age-Related Differences in the Association between Plasma High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Noncalcified or Mixed Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques

Abstract

Background. Previous studies have demonstrated that plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was the predictor for unstable coronary plaque. Patients with noncalcified plaque (NCP) or mixed plaque (MP) have a higher risk of poor outcomes. However, the association between hsCRP and the presence of NCP or MP (NCP/MP) in old adults remains unclear, and if present, whether there exist differences between young and old adults remain unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of hsCRP in predicting the presence of NCP/MP and evaluate whether age has any impact on this association. Methods. A total of 951 subjects were included in this study. Complete clinical and laboratory data were collected. According to the characteristics of the most stenotic plaque, we divided them into 2 groups: calcified plaque (CP) and NCP/MP. Subjects with no plaque were classified as the control group (CR). Subjects with age≥60 years were defined as older adults, and those with age2.70 mg/L group in older adults. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that hsCRP was an independent risk factor for the presence of NCP/MP (odds ratio OR=1.093, 95% CI 1.032–1.157, P=0.001) only in older adults. Conclusions. hsCRP is independently associated with the presence of NCP/MP in older adults but not in nonelderly people. These results suggest the potential significance of hsCRP-lowering regimens in older adults with NCP/MP.