Factors associated with C-reactive protein in the Costa Rican population born between 1945 and 1955

Abstract

Objective: to studied the distribution of C-reactive protein (CRP) and to identified of cardiovascular risk factors associated with CRP levels in Costa Ricans born between 1945 and 1955. Methods: a population cross-sectional study with a total of 932 men and 1363 women representing a new retirement cohort participating in the project Costa Rica: Longevity and Healthy Aging Study, referred to as CRELES-RC. Were included the following variables: CRP, body mass index, waist circumference, sex and other. Spearman´s correlation coefficient was calculated and quantile regression models were estimated. Results: the level of CRP showed a median of 2 mg / L. Women had higher levels than men and the difference was significant (p < 0,001). The multivariate analysis revealed that body mass index, waist circumference and glycosylated hemoglobin are associated with CRP in women, while waist circumference, total cholesterol and smoking were independent predictors of CRP in men. Conclusions: CRP shows high levels when compared with Asian populations but very close to those reported in individuals from the region. There is a strong correlation between CRP and BMI in women and waist circumference in men.