The role of albumin level in cardiovascular disease: a review of recent research advances

Abstract

: Serum albumin is a major component of serum protein that is widely used in clinical practice as an indicator of nutritional or inflammatory status. In clinical practice, serum albumin level is generally used to monitor the courses of several diseases, including hypovolemic state, burns, shock, surgical bleeding. Several studies have indicated that serum albumin level is associated with the prognoses of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Low albumin level has been shown to be useful in predicting adverse events, especially in coronary artery disease. In addition, albumin level has been already reported to be useful for predicting cardiac events, such as cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure (HF), in the acute and remote phases of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Furthermore, the predictive value of albumin level for bleeding events has been reported, indicating the possibility of a comprehensive prediction of adverse events after ACS. However, since serum albumin levels fluctuate depending on a patient’s general condition, the need for reassessment during the chronic phase of CVD has been discussed. In this review, we discuss the existing evidence on serum albumin level as a residual risk factor for coronary artery disease and outline future prospects for risk stratification using albumin level.