Plasma C-reactive protein and lipoprotein levels, and progression of coronary artery disease after myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis.

Background: There is a paucity of studies using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) to determine progression of coronary artery disease (CAD) after an acute coronary event. Furthermore, despite a great interest in effects of inflammation and 'early' lipid lowering therapy, no data have been published on the role of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipoprotein levels in CAD progression after myocardial infarction.

Methods: Seventy-two patients with myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis, but not with statins, were investigated with QCA during admission and after 6 months.