The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test measures the level of CRP in the blood, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels indicate acute or chronic inflammation, which can result from infections, injuries, autoimmune disorders, or chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD).
There are two main types of CRP tests:
Standard CRP Test – Detects general inflammation, useful for monitoring infections or autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) Test – Measures very low CRP levels to assess heart disease risk, as chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to atherosclerosis.
A high CRP level does not diagnose a specific condition but signals the need for further testing. For CVD risk assessment, an hs-CRP level below 1 mg/L indicates low risk, 1-3 mg/L moderate risk, and above 3 mg/L high risk.
Factors like smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise can increase CRP levels. The test requires a simple blood draw and no fasting. While useful, results should be interpreted alongside other tests since CRP can rise due to temporary conditions like infections. Managing inflammation through a healthy lifestyle, medications, or treating underlying conditions can help lower CRP levels and reduce disease risks.
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