Baseline levels of C-reactive protein appear to predict future risk of symptomatic peripheral vascular disease. C-reactive protein is known to be a marker for systemic inflammation. Among apparently healthy men, baseline levels of C-reactive protein predict future risk of developing symptomatic peripheral artery disease, and thus provide further support for the hypothesis that chronic inflammation is important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerois and secondary clots.

Circulation 1998;97:425-428

COMMENT: This study reminded me that I really do need to screen more for this with either this test or a ESR (sed rate) test. These are both non specific indicators of inflammation and suggests that there is a problem. It does not provide a treatment however. But one can implement dietary changes and recheck this test to make certain that it normalizes.