Microalbuminuria and C-reactive protein: similar messengers of cardiovascular risk?

C-reactive protein (CRP) and urinary albumin excretion are both determinants of cardiovascular risk. The first is closely related to systemic and vascular low-grade inflammation, the latter is considered to be a marker of endothelial dysfunction. Because of these properties, one might presume them to be closely interrelated. In this article, we review the available evidence concerning the relationships of CRP and urinary albumin excretion, with each other and with other cardiovascular risk markers and factors. Should they be considered as dependent or independent risk markers, and which risk markers might be present in the cardiovascular risk estimation formula of the near future? The reasons that this formula might or should include CRP and urinary albumin excretion, rather than diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome, are discussed.