C-reactive protein concentrations in Mexican men and women:: high prevalence of a cardiovascular risk factor

Objective. To examine the distribution and correlates of C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in Mexican adults. Material and Methods. Data was analyzed from 2 194 Mexican adults who participated in the 2000 National Health Survey (ENSA-2000). CRP concentrations were measured with a high-sensitivity assay. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, chronic disease and habits was obtained. Fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, weight, height and waist circumference were measured. Results. A total of 730 men and 1464 non-pregnant women were studied. Mean age was 38.3 +/- 15.2 years. CRP concentrations ranged from 0.19 to 255 mg/L (median: 2.26; interquartile range (FIR): 0.96, 5.83 mg/L). CRP concentrations were higher in women (median: 2.86; IR: 1.11, 6.68 mg/L) than men (median: 1.63; IR: 0.8, 3.87 mg/L; p < 0.001). Thirty-one percent of individuals (35.1% women, 23.3% men) had CRP concentrations > 3.0-10 mg/L. Multivariate probit regression analysis showed that age, BMI, waist circumference, diabetes, microalbuminuria and use of oral contraceptives were positively associated with CRP concentrations > 1 mg/L. Male gender and moderate alcohol consumption were negatively associated with CRP concentrations >3 mg/L (p < 0.05). Conclusion. There is a high prevalence of CRP concentrations in the range of > 3.0-10 mg/l in Mexican adults, indicating a considerable proportion of individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease, independent of other risk factors.