the prognostic significance of C-reactive protein as an independent predictor for coronary events in Patients presenting with chest pain

The aim of this study was to test whether measurement of CRP in patients with chest pain could help in identifying a potentially high risk group for a coronary event. We prospectively studied 1983 consecutive patients presenting with chest pain. A total of 1825 patients were enrolled (mean age 52 ± 6.95; range 25-65; men 68%). The patients were divided in two groups; Group 1 included admitted patients (n=892); Group 2 included patients who were not admitted (n= 812). In Group 1 high CRP was measured in 713 (80%) patients; coronary events were recorded in 704 (79%). In Group 2, coronary events were recorded in 651 (98%) with high CRP and 14 (2%) with normal CRP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for high CRP were 95%, 69%, 92% and 79% respectively. CRP >3 mg/L is an independent predictor of coronary events in patients with chest pain.