Correlation of C-Reactive Protein with Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure in Young Adult North Indian Hypertensive Males -A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background & Objectives: High blood pressure has been associated with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), a possible marker of vascular inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the interrelationship between blood pressure and CRP in young adult north Indian males. Method: A total of 30 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension in the age group of 25- 40 years were enrolled for the study. Patients with history of secondary or malignant hypertension were excluded. Age and sex matched healthy normotensive subjects (n=35) were taken as control. The parameters studied were BMI, Systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and CRP. C-reactive protein was measured by RHELAX CRP slide test. Statistical analysis was done by using Karl-Pearson correlation coefficient and Student's unpaired t test. Results: We have observed significant differences (P0.01) association between blood pressure and CRP levels in the study group. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between blood pressure and CRP using highly sensitive assays as a major screening test in the prediction, diagnosis and management of essential hypertension.