CRP (C-Reactive Protein) and heart issues - Menopause Message Board

anita4pets · 09-28-2004, 05:56 PM

Hi Ladies,
Another new wrinkle in my pre-or during menopausal life. I was feeling 'weird", felt like I was having a panic attack, tight chest, etc. Went to the doctor who had them do an ekg and then checked the blood work I had done in July. The ekg was perfect, Cholesterol is good, blood pressure is good but the CRP C-reactive protein was high (8.22), She told me that this test should be done several times as it can very quite a bit dependig on outside factors so they did it again. New test came out 10.0. According to the charts anything over 3 puts you in a high risk category for heart attack.

I am freaking out. No heart problems in my family, weight is okay, I work out 4 days a week. I did some research on the web (sometimes this is a dangerous thing) and it sounds like CRP is the new "heart attack possiiblity" indicator.

Does anyone know about this?????

twanger · 09-29-2004, 09:09 AM

No, I just read about this last night in a magazine. I hope there are others who know. Sometimes, in medicine, a new thing comes along and all the MDs jump on it until it is proven to be wrong or unnecessary. I guess we will have to wait and see. I'll do some more checking with others and see what I come up with. In the mean time, don't worry too much.

anita4pets · 09-29-2004, 12:45 PM

Thank you twanger!!! Just reading your response made me feel better!

twanger · 09-29-2004, 03:04 PM

I checked this out with a doctor friend of mine. He said that it is just another test for heart disease just as a high HDL can indicate your chances of getting heart disease. For example, the higher a person's HDL the smaller the risk of heart disease. However, this is just one factor and because a person has a high HDL doesn't mean that he/she will not get heart disease. The same goes for the protein test. There are no really reliable tests for heart disease. Even if a person has an angiogram, something may appear positive on it but that doesn't necessarily mean they need by pass or angioplasty. It is just a guideline. All of these factors are just guidelines. Nothing more.

anita4pets · 09-29-2004, 03:09 PM

Once again many thanks. My doctor scheduled me for a stress test (although it's called something more fancy now), which will also help alleviate my fears. Your input and information have been a blessing. The stress level is definitely lowered. I hope I can help someone else on this Board sometime as much as you have helped me.