BACKGROUND: The inflammatory process plays an important role in the etiology of cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have shown that high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a hepatic acute phase protein, are associated with the risk of such diseases. OBJECTIVES: In this study we investigated the existence of association between CRP and cardiovascular risk factors in elderly women. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Anthropometric data, body impedance, blood pressure, lipid profiles, fasting glucose and CRP levels were evaluated. RESULTS: We observed that CRP was linked with body mass index (p = 0.001) and body fat percentage (p = 0.015) and there was no significant connection with any other studied variable. DISCUSSION: The association between CRP and measures of obesity is a consensus in literature. However, it may not show a true progression of atherosclerosis or an inflammatory state. Regarding the inexistence of association with other cardiovascular risk factors observed in this study, the gathered data are conflicting. Some authors indicate correlation between PCR and such factors, whereas others point out its inexistence. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the association of CRP with obesity, but not with other cardiovascular risk factors.
C-reactive protein; Cardiovascular disease; Elderly women
