In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, Dr Maeson Latsko discusses the critical role of inflammation in cardiovascular events, focusing on the importance of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. Cardiovascular events often stem from the rupture of soft plaque, which is fueled by inflammation. Hs-CRP can be used to gauge cardiovascular risk, above even when LDL-C is considered normal. Hs-CRP should be thought of as a red flag for chronic conditions that increase risk for CVD, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and hypertension, emphasizing the importance of addressing inflammation to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
This episode will
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Date: 1/2026
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Mouris Saghir, PhD
Additional Resources:
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]
Ordering information:
Hs-CRP | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics
References:
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Jellinger PS, Handelsman Y, Rosenblit PD, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology guidelines for management of dyslipidemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Endocr Pract. 2017;23 (suppl 2):1-87. doi:10.4158/EP171764.APPGL
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Ridker PM, Bhatt DL, Pradhan AD, et al. Inflammation and cholesterol as predictors of cardiovascular events among patients receiving statin therapy: a collaborative analysis of three randomised trials. Lancet. 2023;401(10384):1293-1301. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00215-5
Alam M, Kontopantelis E, Mamas MA, et al. Meta-analysis of the effect of colchicine on C-reactive protein in patients with acute and chronic coronary syndromes. Coron Artery Dis. 2023;34(3):210-215. doi:10.1097/MCA.0000000000001220
Pearson TA, Mensah GA, Alexander RW, et al. Markers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease: application to clinical and public health practice: a statement for healthcare professionals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2003;107 (3):499-511. doi:10.1161/01.cir.0000052939.59093.45
