ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the stability of carotid atherosclerotic plaques and the gender-associated differences in elderly hypertensive patients. MethodsA total of 172 hypertensive patients aged over 70 years underwent ultrasound examination to measure intima media thickness (IMT). Carotid atherosclerotic plaques were identified with IMT >1.3mm. Serum hsCRP and serum lipids,creatinine and uric acid were tested. Then the patients were divided into three groups according to result of B-mode ultrasound examination:non-plaque group,stable plaque group and unstable plaque group. ResultsSerum hsCRP was significantly higher in plaque group(n=131) than in non-plaque group 〔n=41,(3.2±2.5) vs(2.0±1.8)mg/L,P=0.005〕. Logistic regression analysis showed that the serum hsCRP was the only risk factor of carotid atherosclerosis plaque (RR=1.299,95%CI=1.052-1.604,P=0.015). Further analysis showed that the serum hsCRP was significantly higher in unstable plaque group 〔(4.2±2.5)mg/L〕 than in stable plaque group 〔(2.5±2.2)mg/L,P<0.001〕 or non-plaque group (P<0.001),but there was no difference between the latter two groups (P=0.278). Serum hsCRP was higher in both female and male elderly patients with unstable carotid atherosclerosis plaques than in patients with stable plaques or without plaques. ConclusionSerum hsCRP is associated with the stability of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in elderly hypertensive patients. Serum hsCRP is higher in patients with unstable carotid atherosclerosis plaques than in patients with stable plaques or without plaques. This correlation exists in both female and male elderly hypertensive patients,with no gender-associated difference.?更多