Abstract
Objective: To examine the relationship of the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and endothelial function and their associations with coronary artery calcification, lipid profile and cardiac changes. Methods: The analyses for serum lipids and CRP, echocardiography, spiral computed tomography scans and endothelial function assay were performed in 53 participants with a history of chronic cocaine use. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics and drug use between CRP normal (<1.9 mg/l) and abnormal groups. The brachial artery diameter percentage changes in the third scan (immediately after deflation of cuff) and the fourth scan (90 s after deflation of cuff) were significantly associated with the CRP levels (the third: β=-0.054, S.E.=0.027; P=0.028; the fourth: β=-0.065, S.E.=0.026; P=0.016). The multiple regression models showed that CRP was the only significant predictor of artery diameter changes (%) in these two scans. The CRP abnormal group had more coronary artery calcification (calcium scores >5, 16.7 vs. 0%; P=0.036) and more cardiac diastolic dysfunction expressed as deceleration time >240 ms (16.7 vs. 0%; P=0.036). Conclusions: Elevated serum CRP levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction, coronary artery calcification and cardiac diastolic dysfunction in chronic cocaine users.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 191-198 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | International Journal of Cardiology |
Volume | 88 |
Issue number | 2-3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2003 |
Keywords
- CRP
- Calcium
- Cocaine
- Echocardiography
- Endothelial function
- Lipid
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine