Age [67 (60-77) vs 50 (33-67) years, p < 0.001], the frequency of hypertension (42% vs 16%; p = 0.003), diabetes (28% vs 8%; p < 0.001), COPD (8% vs 1%; p = 0.010), dyspnea (32% vs 14%; p = 0.001), white blood cell counts (7.2×109/L vs 5.1×109/L; p < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase levels (406 u/L vs 248 u/L; p < 0.001) and CRP levels (68.2 mg/L vs 28.4 mg/L; p < 0.001) were significantly higher and lymphocyte counts (0.66×109/L vs 0.94×109/L; p < 0.001) were lower in the patients who required mechanical ventilation or died. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is Hypertension.