C-reactive protein and ST-segment monitoring by continuous 12-lead electrocardiogram in patients with primary unstable angina pectoris

In conclusion, high plasma CRP levels are associated with more myocardial ischemia early in primary UAP. Although the underlying mechanisms are not well understood, these data could have important pathophysiologic and clinical implications. Whether the increased CRP represents a marker either for the extent of atherosclerosis or an inflammatory process in the coronary arteries or directly exerts a pro-inflammatory or prothrombotic effect on the vessel wall leading to the increased ischemia is currently unknown.