Lipids Biomarker
Collection Type: Blood
Related System: Lipids
High-sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hsCRP) is a sensitive blood measure of low-grade systemic inflammation. The liver produces CRP in response to cytokines (especially IL‑6) released during tissue injury, infection or chronic inflammatory activity; the high-sensitivity assay detects low CRP concentrations relevant to cardiovascular risk assessment. Clinicians use hsCRP to help evaluate risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, to monitor chronic inflammatory conditions, or to investigate unexplained inflammation. Symptoms prompting testing include chest pain, unexplained fatigue, fevers, or flare of autoimmune disease. Levels vary with age (tend to rise with aging), sex (slightly higher in women), ethnicity, pregnancy, obesity, smoking status and concurrent illnesses.
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Q: What does it mean if HSCRP is high?
A: A high high-sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs-CRP) means there’s systemic inflammation. Moderately elevated levels (1–3 mg/L) indicate average cardiovascular risk; levels >3 mg/L suggest higher risk of heart attack or stroke. Very high values (>10 mg/L) usually reflect acute infection or major inflammation and should be rechecked later. Discuss results with your clinician to find the cause and lower risk through treatment and lifestyle changes.
Q: What is the treatment for high HS-CRP?
A: Treatment targets the underlying cause and reduces cardiovascular risk. Key steps: lifestyle changes (smoking cessation, Mediterranean diet, weight loss, regular aerobic exercise, reduced alcohol), control risk factors (lipids—statins commonly lower hs‑CRP—blood pressure, diabetes), treat infections or inflammatory diseases, and reassess levels. In selected high‑risk patients, clinicians may add anti‑inflammatory or other pharmacologic therapies; follow‑up monitoring guides management.
Q: What infection causes high CRP?
A: High CRP commonly occurs with acute bacterial infections especially sepsis, pneumonia, cellulitis, urinary tract infections, intra‑abdominal infections and osteomyelitis which often produce marked rises. Viral infections can raise CRP moderately, while severe fungal or parasitic infections may also elevate it. CRP reflects systemic inflammation and helps distinguish bacterial from nonbacterial causes when interpreted with clinical findings and other tests.
Q: What are normal HSCRP levels?
A: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is reported in mg/L. Typical interpretation: <1.0 mg/L low cardiovascular risk; 1.0–3.0 mg/L average/moderate risk; >3.0 mg/L high risk. Levels above about 10 mg/L usually indicate acute inflammation or infection and warrant repeat testing after recovery. Discuss individual results and risk with your clinician.
Q: How to fix high hsCRP?
A: To lower high hsCRP: adopt a Mediterranean-style diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats), lose excess weight, exercise regularly, stop smoking, limit alcohol, improve sleep, and treat infections or chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol). Your clinician may prescribe statins or other therapies if indicated. Recheck hsCRP after lifestyle changes and follow medical advice.
Q: Can stress cause high hsCRP?
A: Yes. Both acute and especially chronic psychological stress can raise systemic inflammation and modestly increase hsCRP through neuroendocrine (HPA‑axis) and sympathetic pathways that boost pro‑inflammatory cytokines. Effects vary and are influenced by smoking, obesity, infections and chronic disease. Managing stress (sleep, exercise, therapy), treating underlying conditions, and discussing elevated hsCRP with your clinician are recommended.