Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta blockers, statins, and aspirin on C-reactive protein levels in outpatients with heart failure.

C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured in a cohort of 96 outpatients with heart failure. Baseline angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor plus beta-blocker use were associated with lower levels of CRP; no relation was found between CRP levels and aspirin or statin use.

Failure of platelet parameters and biomarkers to correlate platelet function to severity and etiology of heart failure in patients enrolled in the EPCOT trial. With special reference to the Hemodyne hemostatic analyzer. Whole Blood Impedance Aggregometry for the Assessment of Platelet Function in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure.

Data from small studies have suggested the presence of platelet abnormalities in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). We sought to characterize the diagnostic utility of different platelet parameters and platelet-endothelial biomarkers in a random outpatient CHF population investigated in the EPCOT ('Whole Blood Impedance Aggregometry for the Assessment of Platelet Function in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure') Trial. Blood samples were obtained for measurement of platelet contractile force (PCF), whole blood aggregation, shear-induced closure time, expression of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, and P-selectin in 100 consecutive patients with CHF.