Inflammatory markers and lipid profile in patients of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery diseases encompass a spectrum of disorders ranging from angina to fatal myocardial infarctions with the main underlying pathology being identified as atherosclerosis. METHODS: The level of inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein and fibrinogen was determined in hundred patients with established coronary artery disease and correlated with lipid profile which included serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein and triglycerides. RESULTS: The results showed a positive correlation between Inflammatory Marker CRP with LDL and serum cholesterol in patients with coronary artery disease. While no significant correlation of CRP was seen with high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride. Fibrinogen did not show any significant correlation with lipid profile parameters. CONCLUSION: Although the inflammatory markers were found to have weak positive correlation with the levels of serum lipids, determining both of these parameters together may help in the early detection and treatment of individuals who are at a high risk for cardiac events.