Age- and Gender-Specific Variations in Serum Albumin, Ferritin, and High-Sensitivity C reactive Protein among Ischemic Heart Disease Patients: Evidence from Northeast India

Abstract

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a particularly high burden in India. Biomarkers such as serum albumin, serum ferritin, and high‑sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP) have been implicated in cardiovascular risk, but their variation across age and gender remains underexplored, especially in Northeast India. Objective: To evaluate age‑ and gender‑specific differences in serum albumin, ferritin, and hs‑CRP among patients with IHD, and to examine correlations between these biomarkers. Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted at Agartala Government Medical College and G.B.P. Hospital from January 2024 to June 2025. A total of 104 patients with confirmed IHD were enrolled. Demographic data, clinical history, and laboratory investigations were collected. Serum albumin was measured using the Bromocresol Green method, ferritin by ELISA, and hs‑CRP by immunoturbidimetric assay. Patients were stratified into four age groups (40–50, 51–60, 61–70, and >70 years) and by gender. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, t‑tests, and Pearson’s correlation. Results: The mean age was 60.6 ± 11.9 years, with males comprising 73.1% of the cohort. Serum albumin declined with age (4.1 ± 0.3 g/dL in 40–50 years vs. 3.7 ± 0.4 g/dL in >70 years). Ferritin was significantly higher in males (232.5 ± 65.7 ng/mL) than in females (176.4 ± 58.3 ng/mL; p<0.01). hs‑CRP increased with age and was significantly higher in females (5.2 ± 2.0 mg/L) compared to males (4.6 ± 2.1 mg/L; p<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed an inverse relationship between albumin and hs‑CRP (r = –0.42, p<0.01) and a positive correlation between ferritin and hs‑CRP (r = 0.36, p<0.05). Conclusion: Age and gender significantly influence biomarker profiles in IHD patients. Older age is associated with hypoalbuminemia and elevated hs‑CRP; males exhibit higher ferritin levels, and females demonstrate a greater inflammatory burden. These findings underscore the importance of demographic stratification in biomarker interpretation and may inform personalised risk assessment and management strategies in Northeast India.