COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF CIRCULATING IL-6 AND HSCRP LEVELS IN HEART FAILURE VERSUS STABLE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, heart failure, coronary artery disease, inflammation, biomarkers
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory biomarkers play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) have emerged as significant predictors of cardiovascular outcomes. However, comparative data regarding these inflammatory markers between heart failure (HF) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) remain limited.
Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 180 participants divided into three groups: heart failure patients (n=60), stable coronary artery disease patients (n=60), and healthy controls (n=60). Serum IL-6 and hsCRP levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoturbidimetric methods, respectively. Demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, and echocardiographic findings were documented. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, independent t-tests, and Pearson correlation coefficients.
Results: Heart failure patients demonstrated significantly elevated IL-6 levels (18.74 ± 6.82 pg/mL) compared to stable CAD patients (9.56 ± 3.91 pg/mL) and healthy controls (3.21 ± 1.45 pg/mL) (p<0.001). Similarly, hsCRP levels were markedly higher in HF patients (8.92 ± 3.67 mg/L) versus stable CAD (4.83 ± 2.14 mg/L) and controls (1.28 ± 0.72 mg/L) (p<0.001). A significant negative correlation existed between left ventricular ejection fraction and both IL-6 (r=-0.68, p<0.001) and hsCRP (r=-0.54, p<0.001) in heart failure patients.
Conclusion: Circulating IL-6 and hsCRP levels are significantly elevated in heart failure compared to stable coronary artery disease, suggesting a more pronounced inflammatory state in HF. These biomarkers may serve as valuable tools for disease differentiation and risk stratification.
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Dr. Rashmi Verma
Assistant Professor Department of General Medicine, Santosh medical college and hospital, Ghaziabad, NCR Delhi.
