Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. But it has been unclear whether CRP actually causes these cardiovascular problems, or rather is merely a "marker" for increased risk. This question has potential importance, since drug companies are actively developing medications aimed specifically at reducing CRP levels. (Reducing CRP levels would not be expected to improve outcomes if CRP is merely a marker, and not a causitive agent.)

A new meta analysis published just before Christmas in Lancet strongly suggests that CRP is only a marker for risk. Investigators from the Netherlands analyzed data from over 160,000 patients who had been enrolled in 54 randomized clinical trials, and (employing complex statistical techniques) concluded that CRP appears unlikely to be the actual cause of cardiovascular events.

Drawing definitive conclusions from a meta analysis, however, is hazardous. Drug companies are unlikely to halt their efforts to find safe "anti-CRP" drugs just because of this new publication.

In the meantime, while the scientists sort all of this out, CRP does remain a potentially useful indicator of one's risk for heart disease - as long as you and your doctor understand how to interpret it.

Here is what you need to know about having your CRP measured, and here is what you might do if your CRP levels are found to be elevated.

_Sources:

_{The Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration. C-reactive protein concentration and risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and mortality: an individual participant meta-analysis. Lancet 2009; DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61717-7.}

Heart disease can cause numerous symptoms, including palpitations, chest pain, weakness, shorness of breath and more.

Here is a discussion of the key symptoms produced by heart disease, and what they might mean.

Heart disease can often be prevented, or at least postponed for many years, by making the right lifestyle choices. Now that the new year is here, it's a good time to take stock, and make the decision to save your heart while there's still time. Here is a review of the cardiac risk factors you can control, and links to more details.

DrRich has finished his countdown of the Top 10 Most Overblown Health Stories of the Decade. For those who missed it, here they are.

But, as confident as DrRich may be that his selections for this Top 10 list are good ones, he'll be the first to admit that - given the media's congenital tendency to overblow every news story related to healthcare - not everyone will agree with his choices.

So here's your chance to give us your nominees for the most overblown health news stories of the decade. Just click on "Readers Respond" at the bottom of DrRich's Top 10 list.