C-Reactive Protein Highly Sensitive (hs-CRP), Cardiac

What is CRP?

CRP is a protein that the liver produces as a result of inflammation in your body. This protein is made by the liver and sent to our blood, when there is inflammation in your body, to protect its tissues. When you are injured, or have an infection, your body reacts by developing an inflammatory response. The infected area would typically be painful, red, and swollen.

This test measures the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the body. There are 2 types of CRP tests. A standard test looks for very high levels of inflammation. The highly sensitive test can detect levels of CRP that are mildly high, which can be associated with atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup).

Why take a hs-CRP test?

The hs-CRP test is primarily used to complement other tests to help assess risk for heart disease. It is a great indicator for cardiovascular diseases, as well as a perfect tool to diagnose many conditions including autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be used to monitor any possible condition causing inflammation. If you were diagnosed with a certain chronic condition, the CRP test could be used to make sure that your treatment is working the way it should be.

A guidance published in 2003, by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state that hs-CRP may be valuable in assessing risk for people with established heart disease. For evaluating inflammation that is not specific to heart conditions, see C-reactive protein, quantitative.

What can cause CRP levels to rise?

While elevated CRP levels can indicate inflammation and chronic or bacterial illnesses, it is important to keep in mind that this protein level can increase with age and tend to be higher among females and Africans Americans. Test results can be affected by some medications so make sure you discuss what you're taking with your doctor.

What your hs-CRP test results mean?

After the results are ready; here's what you need to know: a CRP level lower than 1.0 milligram per liter means you have a low risk of CVD, levels between 1.0 and 3.0 indicates a moderate risk of CVD, finally a level higher than 3.0 milligram per liter indicates high risks of heart disease. When your CRP levels are at high risk; it could be a sign of other diseases than CVD. It might be a sign of infection, inflammatory bowel disease, Lupus, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis or even cancer. Women, in their second half of pregnancy, or those who are using birth control pills can also have high CRP levels.

Where can I get a CRP test near me?

Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.

References

1. Pearson TA, Mensah GA, Alexander RW, et al. Markers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Application to clinical and public health practice. A statement for healthcare professionals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2003;107:499-511. Available at: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.cir.0000052939.59093.45.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: May 24, 2019