Predictive value of coronary artery calcification and hs-CRP for myocardial infarction and coronary death – Results from the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study

Background: High sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) are both associated with impaired outcome in individuals at risk of cardiovascular events. Here we analyzed the predictive value of their combined assessment in a population-based cohort of men and women living in the metropolitan Ruhr area. Methods: CAC, hs-CRP and Framingham risk score (FRS) variables were measured in 3969 persons (aged 59±8 years, 53% women) without known coronary artery disease at baseline. Individuals with acute inflammation (hs-CRP>10.0mg/L) were excluded. All individuals were followed for 5 years for…