Relation of C-reactive protein to extent and severity of coronary narrowing in patients with stable angina pectoris or abnormal exercise tests

C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured immediately before coronary angiography in 98 outpatients without any known underlying inflammatory condition. CRP levels did not correlate with the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed by angiography, suggesting that other mechanisms such as acute inflammation with plaque instability and rupture may explain the higher cardiovascular event rate in patients with elevated CRP levels.