Diabetes mellitus is associated with enhanced inflammation within AS valves, measured by CRP expression, which may contribute to faster AS progression.
Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) were not causally associated with increased low-grade inflammation as measured through CRP despite a causal association with increased risk of aortic valve stenosis and MI.
In multivariable stepwise regression model, body mass index (odds ratio per unit increase 1.23 (95% CI 1.10-1.38; <i>p</i> = .0003)) and hypercholesterolemia, combined with high sensitive C-reactive protein (odds ratio versus all other 2.66 (1.18-6.00; <i>p</i> = .019)) were significantly associated with increased risk of developing aortic sclerosis or aortic stenosis.