C-reactive protein and sociodemographic parameters in Moscow residents aged 55 years and older

Aim. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is currently regarded as an important marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to assess the population characteristics of hsCRP in the sample of Moscow residents aged 55 years and older.
Material and methods. The analysis included 1851 people (response rate 65 %), who participated in the SAHR (Stress, Aging, and Health in Russia) study.
Results. The hsCRP levels were similar in men and women, with the right-skewed distribution. The hsCRP values ranged from 0,5 to 69,5 mg/dl in men (median 1,5 mg/l), and from 0,5 to 75 mg/l in women (median 1,5 mg/l). The mean hsCRP levels were slightly higher in men than in women (3,4±0,19 vs. 3,1±0,15, respectively; р=0,36). Overall, there was no marked age-related dynamics of hsCRP levels in men or women. The prevalence of high hsCRP levels (>3 mg/l) non-significantly increased from 31,2 % in the youngest age group to 36,2 % in those aged 75 years and older. Acute inflammation (hsCRP levels >10 mg/l) was registered in 85 participants (4,5 %), including 42 men and 43 women. After adjustment for age and gender, the lower education level remained a significant predictor of hsCRP elevation.
Conclusion. No clear associations between hsCRP and age or gender were observed. However, participants with university and secondary education had significantly lower hsCRP concentrations, compared to their peers with education level lower than secondary.

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