C-Reactive Protein, Subjective Aging, and Incident Cardiovascular Disease: A Mediation Model
Hanamori Skoblow, Christine M. Proulx
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Negative self-perceptions of aging (SPA) and an older subjective age are associated with a greater likelihood of cardiovascular disease. We predicted that C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of stress-related inflammation, would mediate this relation. METHOD: Data from up to 6 602 participants ages 50-101 in the Health and Retirement Study (2008-2018) were analyzed using logistic regressions with mediation. Subjective aging was assessed in 2008 or 2010, CRP was assessed 2 years later, and diagnosis of heart disease or stroke was assessed in the years from CRP measurement to 2018. RESULTS: Significant indirect effects occurred in all models, indicating that negative SPA and older subjective age are associated with a greater likelihood of heart disease and stroke through elevated levels of the inflammatory marker CRP. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that psychological factors such as subjective aging impact cardiovascular health through physiological mechanisms, specifically markers of inflammation.