In univariable competing risk analysis, higher age, positive smoking status (current or ex-smoker), history of diabetes, history of hypertension, higher preoperative leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen, higher postoperative CRP and higher CRP 1 year after treatment were significantly associated with an increased risk of CVE (Table 4). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is hypertensive disorder.