ABSTRACT
A relationship between obesity and a low-grade systemic inflammatory state has been established and is manifested with elevated proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein which are thought to contribute to car diovascular morbidity. Elevated C-reactive protein levels have been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and coro nary heart disease.
