C-Reactive Protein and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Smokers Versus Nonsmokers in Non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome (from the TACTICS-TIMI 18 Trial)

We investigated the role of inflammation, as measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, in cardiovascular risk in smokers who have acute coronary syndrome. Despite fewer traditional risk factors, smokers who had acute coronary syndrome had higher CRP levels than did nonsmokers (7.0 vs 5.1 mg/L, p <0.001). CRP was associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in smokers and nonsmokers, even when adjusted for the presence of pulmonary disease.