Usefulness of C-reactive protein as an independent predictor of death in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.

The usefulness of serum C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker, to predict mortality risk in patients who have ischemic cardiomyopathy was investigated. C-reactive protein was measured in 123 men who underwent cardiac catheterization and were noted to have left ventricular ejection fraction <or=45% and significant angiographic coronary artery disease. They were prospectively followed for 3 years. Higher levels of C-reactive protein were associated with increased mortality rate. This correlation was independent of other prognostic factors, such as age, ejection fraction, symptoms of severe congestive heart failure, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and use of beta blockers.