Prevention & lipidsCross-sectional study
Factors associated with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the USA and the UK
- Cross-sectional study
Authors' conclusion
The factors identified may support data-driven targeted testing to identify those most likely to have elevated hsCRP, who could potentially benefit from emerging anti-inflammatory therapies.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the UK Biobank and US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
- Participants
- 23,045 vs 3,415
- Exposure
- UK Biobank vs NHANES
- UK Biobankn = 23,045
- NHANESn = 3,415
- Outcome
- Factors associated with elevated hsCRP (2-10 mg/L)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Odds of elevated hsCRP (2-10 mg/L), multivariable logistic regression
Odds ratio (95% CI)P value
obesityUK Biobank
3.48(3.18–3.80)
P < 0.05obesityNHANES
4.11(2.66–6.34)
P < 0.05overweightUK Biobank
1.56(1.44–1.70)
P < 0.05overweightNHANES
2.26(1.51–3.38)
P < 0.05current smokerUK Biobank
2.47(2.27–2.69)
P < 0.05current smokerNHANES
1.96(1.23–3.10)
P < 0.05female sexUK Biobank
1.69(1.59–1.80)
P < 0.05female sexNHANES
1.69(1.24–2.31)
P < 0.05increased LDL cholesterolUK Biobank; per 10 mg/dL increase
1.05(1.04–1.06)
P < 0.05increased LDL cholesterolNHANES; per 10 mg/dL increase
1.00(1.00–1.00)
P < 0.05increased triglyceride levelsUK Biobank; per 10 mg/dL increase
1.01(1.01–1.01)
P < 0.05increased triglyceride levelsNHANES; per 10 mg/dL increase
1.00(1.00–1.00)
P < 0.05Receiving statinsUK Biobank; lower odds
0.69(0.64–0.75)
Receiving statinsNHANES; lower odds
0.54(0.39–0.74)
Per 10 mg/dL increase, as printed
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) by number of combined factors (incl. CKD stage G3-5)
- hsCRP higher in individuals with more factors
- median with seven factors
Original publication
Factors associated with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the USA and the UK. Eur J Prev Cardiol. Published 1 October 2025. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf609
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it