This biomarker is a better predictor of heart disease than cholesterol: What to know about C

Key Points:

• C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation produced by the liver, has been found to be a better predictor of heart disease risk than cholesterol, leading to new recommendations for universal CRP screening alongside cholesterol tests.
• Inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis, where immune system activation leads to plaque buildup and potential heart attacks or strokes, highlighting that cholesterol is only part of the heart disease risk story.
• Lifestyle factors such as diet, weight loss, and exercise can significantly reduce CRP levels, with foods like fiber-rich beans, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil shown to lower inflammation.
• While cholesterol remains relevant, the number of LDL cholesterol particles, measured by apolipoprotein B, and the presence of lipoprotein(a), a genetically determined sticky protein, provide more precise assessments of heart disease risk.
• Comprehensive heart disease prevention involves monitoring multiple biomarkers—including LDL cholesterol, CRP, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a)—combined with healthy lifestyle practices such as balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, sufficient sleep, and smoking cessation.