C-Reactive Protein - Understand the Test (2024)

FAQs

C-Reactive Protein - Understand the Test? ›

What is the C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test? The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that checks for inflammation in your body. CRP is a protein that is made in your liver and released into your bloodstream. Levels of CRP start to increase very soon after any inflammation or infection affects your body.

C-reactive protein is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Results equal to or greater than 8 mg/L or 10 mg/L are considered high. Range values vary depending on the lab doing the test. A high test result is a sign of inflammation.

Interpretation of CRP levels:

Less than 0.3 mg/dL: Normal (level seen in most healthy adults). 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL: Normal or minor elevation (can be seen in obesity, pregnancy, depression, diabetes, common cold, gingivitis, periodontitis, sedentary lifestyle, cigarette smoking, and genetic polymorphisms).

According to the American Heart Association, results of the hs-CRP can be interpreted as follows: You are at low risk of developing cardiovascular disease if your hs-CRP level is lower than 1.0 mg/L. You are at average risk of developing cardiovascular disease if your levels are between 1.0 mg/L and 3.0 mg/L.

A CRP test result of more than 50 mg/dL is generally considered severe elevation. Results over 50 mg/L are associated with acute bacterial infections about 90% of the time.

The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is used to find inflammation in your body. Inflammation could be caused by different types of conditions, such as an infection or autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. This test measures the amount of CRP in your blood.

CRP is a protein that is made in your liver and released into your bloodstream. Levels of CRP start to increase very soon after any inflammation or infection affects your body. The CRP blood test can be used to find out how severe inflammation is, or whether you are responding to treatment.

What to avoid when C-reactive protein is high? ›

Avoid Foods That Cause Inflammation: Processed meals, sugary snacks, and excessive consumption of red meat can all contribute to inflammation. Limiting these foods in your diet can help lower CRP levels.

Limiting or avoiding inflammatory foods like refined carbohydrates, fried foods, red meat and processed meat can help reduce CRP. Instead, focus on eating more anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, nuts, fatty fish and whole grains.

If you're at high risk of cardiovascular disease and your test results show high CRP, your doctor may suggest a statin or other cholesterol-lowering medication. Vitamin C has also been explored as a way to lower CRP levels for people who have an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.

Risk assessment guidelines

The American Heart Association and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have set the following guidelines: Below 1.0 mg/L: Low risk for heart problems. 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L: Average risk for heart problems. Above 3.0 mg/L: High risk for heart problems.

CRP levels can vary widely depending on the underlying condition causing inflammation. Generally, a CRP level of less than 10 mg/L is considered normal. CRP levels between 10 and 100 mg/L indicate mild to moderate inflammation, while levels above 100 mg/L indicate severe inflammation.

Elevated CRP levels predict poor outcome and tumor recurrence in patients with thymic epithelial tumors: A pro- and retrospective analysis.

Interpreting test results

The report might indicate that the level is high, low, or normal. Although “normal” CRP levels vary from lab to lab, it is generally accepted that a value of 0.8-1.0 mg/dL (or 8-10 mg/L) or lower is normal. Most healthy adults have CRP levels lower than 0.3 mg/dL.

A high CRP is more than 10mg/L. This shows that there is inflammation somewhere in your body. Other tests might be necessary to find out where or which specific illness or infection is causing the inflammation. If you are being treated for an infection or inflammation, your CRP levels should decrease.

High levels of CRP may mean you have a serious health condition that causes inflammation. Inflammation is your body's way of protecting your tissues and helping them heal from an injury, infection, or other disease. Inflammation can be acute (sudden) and temporary.

Less than 1.0 mg/L (hs-CRP normal range suggesting no underlying health complications) Between 1.0 mg/L to 3.0 mg/L (the moderate concentration suggesting underlying inflammation and CVD complications) Above 3.0 mg/L (excess concentration indicating CAD issues and chronic illness left untreated)