No abstract

In Asian countries, Indians are at high risk of premature CVD and T2DM due to abdominal obesity. Adipose tissue over the abdomen is a major source of inflammatory mediators. Numerous studies have demonstrated role of serum high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) as independent predictor of metabolic syndrome, T2DM and atherosclerotic diseases among healthy individuals. We postulated that in spite of normal glucose tolerance and normal lipid profile, obese persons are at high cardiac risk due to chronic low grade systemic inflammation.In present cross sectional study we enrolled 50 metabolically healthy overweight and obese individuals and 50 age and sex matched lean controls. We recorded history, anthropometric measures of adiposity BMI, waist and hip circumference, in study group. After overnight fast blood samples were assayed for blood glucose, lipid profile and hsCRP levels.Serum hsCRP levels were raised significantly in cases compared to control (mean 3.8+/-1.8 Vs 1.2+/-0.7 p< 0.001). We found significant positive association of hsCRP with anthropometric indices BMI and waist: hip ratio. In obese group there was evidence of significant family history of obesity, T2DM and CVD in first degree relatives compared to control. Our results suggests strong link between indices of adiposity and elevated hsCRP. Obesity without any measurable metabolic abnormality is a state of chronic low grade systemic inflammation. Serum hsCRP is an inexpensive, simple tool to predict cardiac risk in apparently individuals at early stage. This high risk group should be targeted for therapeutic lifestyle changes to prevent further sequels.