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AALBORG, DENMARK. It is increasingly clear that atherosclerosis is, at least partially, an inflammatory
disease. There is also growing evidence that high blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated
with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks. Danish researchers now report a direct
correlation between CRP levels and severity of atherosclerosis. They also suggest that CRP levels can be
kept in check by frequent consumption of fish or fish oils. Their study involved 269 patients referred for
angiography because of suspected coronary artery disease. Besides undergoing angiography the patients
had their CRP levels measured and were also tested for the level of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in their granulocytes (a type of white blood cell). They also filled out a
questionnaire about their fish consumption.
The researchers found that patients with one or more coronary arteries blocked by 50 per cent or more had
significantly higher CRP levels in their blood than had patients with no significant blockages. They also
observed an inverse correlation between CRP levels and the level of DHA in granulocytes. The level of
DHA in granulocytes, in turn, was closely related to fish consumption. The researchers conclude that DHA
has an anti-inflammatory effect which results in lower CRP levels and suggest that fish consumption may
decrease the risk of coronary artery disease.
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