C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation in the body. It’s produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream in response to inflammatory signals. Measuring CRP levels can help identify acute or chronic inflammation, which can be related to various health conditions.

Key Points about CRP:

1. Normal Levels:

• Generally, a CRP level under 10 mg/L is considered normal.

2. High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP):

• This more sensitive version of the CRP test is used to assess low levels of inflammation specifically associated with heart disease risk.

• hs-CRP levels under 1 mg/L are typically considered low risk, 1-3 mg/L moderate risk, and over 3 mg/L high risk for cardiovascular disease.

3. Causes of Elevated CRP:

• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause a significant spike in CRP.

• Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease.

• Heart Disease: Elevated CRP, especially with other risk factors, can indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

• Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: High CRP is often seen in people with obesity and conditions related to metabolic health.

4. Interpreting CRP Results:

• Mild Elevation (10–40 mg/L): Often linked to mild inflammation or infection.

• Moderate Elevation (40–200 mg/L): Could be a sign of a more serious infection or chronic inflammatory disease.

• High Elevation (>200 mg/L): Generally indicates a severe infection or a significant inflammatory condition.

5. Managing High CRP Levels:

• Treating the underlying cause of inflammation is the primary approach.

• Lifestyle changes, like maintaining a healthy weight, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, and regular exercise, can help reduce CRP over time.

• In some cases, medications like statins (for cardiovascular risk) or anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended by doctors to lower CRP.