By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.
Inflammation may play a role in hypertension. Researchers measured C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in 20,525 females aged 45 or over with normal blood pressure. During an average follow-up of 8 years, 5,365 women developed hypertension. Those with the highest levels, a marker of systemic inflammation, were in this group.
