BALTIMORE, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers are questioning the use of C-reactive protein testing for cardiovascular risk.
The scientists say widespread screening for cardiovascular risk by measuring blood levels of C-reactive protein -- a protein produced by the liver -- should not be advocated.
After analyzing data from more than 15,000 people, the scientists found CRP appears to be closely linked with traditional heart disease risk factors, such as smoking, obesity and high blood pressure, rather than being an independent risk factor.
The study's principal investigator, Dr. Michael Miller, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center, said: "The CRP test gained popularity in the late 1990's when it was believed that only 50 percent of heart attacks could be explained by traditional risk factors.
"However, this turned out to be one of the greatest myths in cardiovascular medicine as recent studies have affirmed that more than 90 percent of heart attacks can be accounted for by traditional risk factors, as well as poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and mental stress."
The study is detailed in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.
