Biomarker · Inflammation
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)
hs-CRP is a sensitive marker of low-grade inflammation. Learn what the test measures, how it's used in cardiovascular risk assessment and what raises it.
Written by LON6EVITY Editorial Team · Last updated
Overview
C-reactive protein (CRP) is made by the liver in response to inflammation. The high-sensitivity version (hs-CRP) detects lower levels and is used to assess low-grade chronic inflammation.
Why it matters
According to MedlinePlus, hs-CRP may be used together with other tests to help estimate heart disease risk. A standard CRP test is used to detect infection or inflammatory disease.
Higher results
CRP rises quickly with infection, injury or inflammatory conditions, so a single high value may simply reflect a recent cold. Chronically elevated hs-CRP can accompany obesity, smoking and inflammatory diseases.
How the test is performed
A standard blood sample. Tests may be repeated if you were recently ill.
Reference ranges
| Commonly used cardiovascular risk bands (MedlinePlus) | < 1 mg/L lower · 1–3 mg/L average · > 3 mg/L higher |
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Reference ranges and targets differ between laboratories, units and guidelines, and depend on age, sex, method and your overall clinical picture. A single result is not a diagnosis — interpret it with a qualified clinician.
Factors that can affect the result
- Recent infection or injury
- Smoking
- Excess weight
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Hormone therapy
Questions people commonly ask
- Should hs-CRP be tested when I'm sick?
- Ideally not. Acute illness raises CRP and makes cardiovascular interpretation unreliable.
Related biomarkers
Understand your biomarkers in context
What does this mean for your own health data? Log your results, follow trends over time and bring an organised summary to your next doctor's appointment.
Sources
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.