What is high-sensitive CRP?
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation, infection, and after surgery or trauma. A high-sensitivity CRP test (hsCRP) can identify even low levels of inflammation.
Why test high-sensitive CRP?
This test can help you to discover your risk factors for lifestyle diseases in time to do something about them. Recent studies suggest a link between hs-CRP and the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. It can also be useful to monitor nutrients if you eat a poor diet low in nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and beans, or if you have a history of inflammatory condition(s). You can use this test to monitor changes to your blood values as you make lifestyle changes or take supplements.
What causes low hs-CRP?
A low level of hsCRP is normal and desired. Research shows that you are at low risk of developing cardiovascular disease if your hs-CRP level is lower than 1.0 mg/L.
Symptoms of low hs-CRP
There are no symptoms of low hs-CRP
What causes high hs-CRP?
A higher level of hs-CRP in healthy individuals means that you have a higher amount of this inflammatory marker in your blood. A higher level can predict an increased risk of a future heart attack, stroke, and artery disease, even when lipid markers are normal.
The American Heart Association (AHA) and U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have defined the following risk groups:
- Low risk: less than 1.0 mg/L
- Average risk: 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L
- High risk: above 3.0 mg/L
A result over 10 mg/L may suggest the need for further testing to determine the cause of such significant inflammation.
It is important to note that the overall evaluation process for heart disease should include a wider panel of tests including cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and other factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes.
Symptoms of high hs-CRP
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) or statins may reduce blood levels of CRP. Anti-inflammatory drugs and statins may help to reduce inflammation and thus CRP levels. Women on hormone replacement therapy have been shown to have elevated hs-CRP levels.
Preparations for this test
If you will take a lipid panel alongside hsCRP, consume only water for at least 10 (preferably 12) hours. You should be healthy when you take this test, with no recent injuries, illnesses, infections, or inflammation. If you have any of these, it is best to postpone the test as any recent illness, tissue injury, infections or other general inflammation will raise the amount of CRP and give a falsely elevated risk estimate.
On the day of the test
Always take your ID with you when going for a test. Arrive early and sit for 15 minutes before the test is taken.