Which marker is most commonly used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease?

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Its measurement is commonly used in clinical practice as a biomarker for assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of CRP indicate systemic inflammation, which is a recognized factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, high CRP levels can suggest an increased risk of these conditions, making it a valuable tool in both the assessment and management of cardiovascular health.

The other markers listed are not primarily associated with cardiovascular risk assessment. For instance, myoglobin is primarily used as an early marker for muscle injury, particularly in myocardial infarction, but does not provide a comprehensive risk assessment for cardiovascular disease itself. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) plays a role in the stress response and regulation of adrenal hormones, but it is not a direct indicator of cardiovascular risk. Ceruloplasmin is a protein that carries copper in the bloodstream and is more closely associated with certain disorders, such as Wilson's disease, rather than being a standard cardiovascular risk marker. Thus, CRP stands out as the key marker for evaluating cardiovascular disease risk.