CRP and metabolic syndrome: Their mortality risk is critically amplified by modifiable factors including smoking (HR = 5.27), hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L (HR = 10.15), HDL-C <1.3 mmol/L (HR = 17.94), and comorbidities (hypertension HR = 3.69; dyslipidemia HR = 4.97; MetS HR = 12.89).