Serum cystatin C levels are associated with coronary artery disease and its severity.

Abstract Objectives Serum cystatin C has been established as a predictor of cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of cystatin C in determining the presence and the severity of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Design and methods A total of 936 subjects without overt renal disease were included in this cross-sectional study. Among them were 714 patients with CAD and 222 without based on coronary angiography. Subjects were further divided into four groups according to cystatin C quartile. Serum cystatin C was measured using particle-enhanced immunoassay method. The study analyzed the relationship of cystatin C levels with the presence and severity of CAD, including the number of stenotic vessels involved and Gensini score. Results Serum cystatin C levels were significantly higher in patients with CAD than those without ( P P P P  = 0.023) and were positively correlated with Gensini score by linear regression analysis (standardized β  = 0.083, P  = 0.010). Conclusions Elevated serum cystatin C levels were significantly associated with the presence and severity of CAD in patients with normal renal function. It is suggested that cystatin C might play a role in CAD diagnosis and serve as a marker of CAD severity.