1. © 2002, Wellsource Inc. C-Reactive Protein A New Test for Cardiovascular Risk Prepared by Don Hall, DrPH Wellsource Inc.

2. © 2002, Wellsource Inc. C-Reactive Protein and Cardiovascular Risk Cardiovascular Disease (RR) C-Reactive Protein -- Quintiles Low High NEJM Nov. 14, 2002

3. © 2002, Wellsource Inc. LDL Cholesterol, C-Reactive Protein and Cardiovascular Risk Cardiovascular Disease (RR) LDL & C-Reactive Protein Quintiles LowHigh NEJM Nov. 14, 2002 n=27,939 women

4. © 2002, Wellsource Inc. Researcher’s Summary “This study suggests that C-reactive protein, a marker for systemic inflammation, is a stronger predictor of future cardiovascular events than LDL cholesterol.” “The evaluation of both C-reactive protein and LDL cholesterol proved to be superior as a method of risk detection to measurement of either biological marker alone.” New England Journal of Medicine, Nov. 14, 2002

5. © 2002, Wellsource Inc. C-Reactive Protein Risk Categories Blood Test Norms Risk status hs-CRP mg/L Low risk< 1.0 Intermediate risk 1-3 High risk> 3.0 Circulation 2003; 107:499-511 A high hs-CRP rating doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease compared to a low risk rating. Recommend two tests two weeks apart and averaged to give a more stable estimate of risk

6. © 2002, Wellsource Inc. Factors That Help Lower C-Reactive Protein The following factors have been shown to help lower high C-reactive protein levels: –Weight loss if overweight –Regular, aerobic exercise –Statin therapy (a cholesterol lowering medication)