CRP value blood test
CRP (C-reactive protein) measures inflammation in the body. There are two types of tests: plain CRP for acute inflammation and HS-CRP for chronic inflammation, particularly in relation to heart disease. The results can help assess health risks. Low-grade inflammation with slightly elevated CRP levels can increase the risk of chronic disease, and this inflammation is often influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet and stress. A healthy lifestyle can help reduce this inflammation and lower the risk of related health problems.
CRP, or C-reactive protein, is a protein your body makes when there is inflammation somewhere. Doctors measure CRP in your blood to see if you have inflammation and how severe it is.
There are two types of CRP tests:
- Common CRP: This test looks at the overall amount of CRP in your blood. It helps find inflammation in your body, such as from infections, injuries or illnesses.
- HS-CRP: This is a more sensitive version of the CRP test and can detect lower levels of CRP in your blood. It is mainly used to measure mild inflammation related to chronic conditions, such as heart disease.
When are these tests conducted and what can you learn from them?
Common CRP is often used when acute inflammation is suspected, such as from an infection. The test can help determine if there is an infection and how severe it is. The test can also be used to monitor response to treatments, such as in inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
HS-CRP (High Sensitive) is often used to assess the risk of heart disease. People with higher HS-CRP levels may have a higher risk of developing heart disease. It can help chart your heart risk along with other factors such as your cholesterol levels, blood pressure and whether you smoke. Low levels of HS-CRP are good for your heart, while high levels may indicate increased risk.
For example, the result might look like this:
PROTEIN DIAGNOSTICS
Method Result Reference value
- CRP (ultrasensitiv) NEPH ↑↑ 7.06 mg/l < 3
Risk assessment in cardiovascular and peripheral-vascular
diseases
------------------------------------------------------------- - low risk : < 1 mg/l
- medium risk: 1.5 - 3 mg/l
- high risk : > 3 mg/l (if acute inflammation)
This gentleman has elevated HS-CRP (HS stands for High Sensitiveand is the same as Ultrasensitiv).
The value is good if it is below 1.5. Between 1.5 and 3, you already have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
If the value is above 3 you have a high risk of cardiovascular disease, provided there is acute inflammation.
With such a value, you will always be called by team Blood Values Test to tune in to see if it could be that you were suffering from an infection or a cold somewhere during the blood draw.
If you had no other inflammation and the HS-CRP remains this high, even after several repeated readings, then you have work to do! You are then dealing with low-grade inflammation that poses an increased health risk.
Low-grade inflammation is often influenced by lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, smoking and stress. Improving your lifestyle can help reduce low-grade inflammation and reduce the risk of associated health problems. Discussing your CRP levels and low-grade inflammation with our lifestyle doctor can help plan the right approach for health improvement.