Question:medium

A researcher wants to know whether there is an association of CRP values with risk of MI/Cancer. They started to take CRP readings. 4 values of RR (Relative Risk) were plotted (0.5, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8) with respect to CRP.

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Interpret the overall trend of the RR values -- most values above 1 indicate a positive association between CRP and disease risk.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • CRP increases disease/cancer risk
  • CRP has no relationship
  • CRP decreases & disease decreases
  • No association in first interval
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Epidemiological interpretation of Relative Risk (RR):

RR > 1: Exposure increases risk (positive association)
RR = 1: No association
RR < 1: Exposure decreases risk (protective)

Given RR values at successive CRP intervals:
- Interval 1: RR = 0.5 (below 1 -- appears protective at very low CRP)
- Interval 2: RR = 1.5 (above 1 -- increased risk)
- Interval 3: RR = 1.7 (further increased risk)
- Interval 4: RR = 1.8 (highest risk at highest CRP)

Trend analysis: As CRP rises from interval 2 onward, RR increases progressively (1.5 to 1.8), establishing a dose-response relationship. Epidemiologic data confirm that elevated CRP is associated with increased risk of MI and cancer. This is consistent with the biological plausibility that CRP is a marker of systemic inflammation, which underlies both cardiovascular disease and carcinogenesis.

\[\boxed{\text{CRP increases disease/cancer risk}}\]
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