3/15/04

For immediate release

Contacts:
Lynn Allen, Lighten Up Iowa Coordinator, (515) 707-1832, lynn@iowagames.org
Tim Lane, Iowa Department of Public Health, (515) 281-7833, tlane@idph.state.ia.us
Ruth Litchfield, Ph.D.,R.D.,ISU Food Science and Human Nutrition, (515) 294-9484, litch@iastate.edu
Diane Nelson, ISU Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-3178, dinelson@iastate.edu

Lighten Up Iowa Can Help Lower Your CRP

AMES, Iowa--C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biological marker of inflammation that is associated with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, obesity and autoimmune diseases such as arthritis. “The relationship between CRP and chronic disease is not clearly understood but has been under investigation,” said Ruth Litchfield, Iowa State University Extension nutritionist. “For example, CRP values predicted heart attacks and strokes better than LDL cholesterol values in one study of 28,000 healthy women.”

Research suggests that individuals with the highest CRP levels may be 4.5 times more likely to experience heart disease. However, those who would benefit the most from having a CRP level tested are those individuals who are at intermediate risk for heart disease and for those with metabolic syndrome. One way to evaluate your risk of cardiovascular disease is to visit the American Heart Association Web site at http://americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3003499.

“CRP testing is not indicated for everyone,” Litchfield said. “However, for some individuals, a CRP test can help predict a cardiovascular and stroke event and assist in further evaluation and therapy. CRP levels are measured by testing a blood sample. A CRP level above 1 milligram per liter indicates an average risk of cardiovascular disease. A CRP level above 3 mg/liter indicates a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Other conditions, such as arthritis or infection, can cause CRP values to rise, so repeat tests are necessary to verify results.

“Exercise and good eating habits are two key ways to reduce CRP levels,” Litchfield said. “In a Tufts University study, a body mass index (BMI) of 27.6 correlated with the highest CRP levels, while a BMI of 22.4 correlated with the lowest CRP levels. Keeping the ‘spare tire’ or abdominal fat at bay is best for a lower CRP.”

Litchfield recommends four actions individuals can take to reduce their CRP. Become a Lighten Up Iowa participant. Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains and low in saturated fat and trans fatty acids. Get 30 minutes or more of physical activity on most days of the week. Stop smoking.

Additional information about the Lighten Up Iowa program is available at these Web sites:
Iowa State University Extension Nutrition, http://www.extension.iastate.edu/nutrition
Lighten Up Iowa, http://www.lightenupiowa.org

-30-

ml: imajor

News Menu | ISU Extension