Aims To determine the potential adjunct of high-sensitivity (hs) C-reactive protein for risk stratification in patients with stable congestive heart failure (CHF).

Methods and results We studied 546 consecutive patients clinically stable with an ejection fraction <45% who were referred to our centre for evaluation of left ventricular dysfunction. hs C-reactive protein levels were determined on blood samples obtained on entry into the study. Clinical follow-up (median 972 days) was obtained for 545 patients.

Cardiovascular mortality was significantly increased (P=0.001) in patients with hs C-reactive protein >3 mg/L. By multivariable analysis, including clinical, biological, and echocardiographic variables, hs C-reactive protein >3 mg/L was an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality [HR=1.78 (1.17–2.72); P=0.008]; the strongest predictive parameter in this model was B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (P=0.005). When peak VO₂ was included into the model, hs C-reactive protein >3 mg/L remained an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality [HR=1.55 (1.02–2.38); P=0.04]; the strongest predictive parameter in this model was peak VO₂ (P<0.0001). In patients with ischaemic CHF, cardiovascular mortality was significantly increased in patients with hs C-reactive protein >3 mg/L (P=0.001), whereas in patients with non-ischaemic CHF, hs C-reactive protein >3 mg/L was not associated with cardiovascular mortality (P=0.098). By multivariable analysis, hs C-reactive protein >3 mg/L was an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in ischaemic patients [HR=2.16 (1.23–3.78)] but not in non-ischaemic patients [HR=1.05 (0.52–2.11)].

Conclusion Cardiovascular mortality is increased in CHF patients with hs C-reactive protein >3 mg/L. The impact of hs C-reactive protein is independent of usual prognostic parameters, in particular BNP and peak VO₂. The interest of hs C-reactive protein determination appears to be especially marked in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy.