CRP is a key marker of inflammation in the body. High levels may indicate infections, heart disease, or autoimmune conditions. Monitoring and managing CRP levels is critical to detecting underlying health conditions and preventing complications.
CRP is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. This biomarker plays a crucial role in the immune system by detecting and responding to harmful invaders like bacteria or viruses. It also contributes to the healing of damaged tissue.
Doctors use CRP levels to diagnose and monitor a variety of inflammatory conditions, like infections or autoimmune diseases. CRP is also used to assess the risks of cardiovascular disease, especially when combined with other risk factors such as high cholesterol.
CRP is not routinely included in routine health checkups, but it may be prescribed in the presence of inflammatory symptoms or other specific conditions.
CRP is measured by a simple blood test. The most common test is the high-sensitivity CRP test (hs-CRP), which can detect even low levels of inflammation.
Normal levels vary slightly depending on age and specific conditions:
note : Reference units and ranges may vary between laboratories.
High levels of CRP signal inflammation in the body. However, they do not make it possible to diagnose a specific disease. Some common causes include:
If your CRP levels are high, choosing a specialist depends on the underlying cause:
Prompt and appropriate management is essential to manage the causes of high CRP and to prevent complications.
We can analyze and explain hundreds of blood biomarkers. Check out some key examples:
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