What is hs-CRP?
High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is an acute inflammatory protein produced by your liver in response to infection or inflammation. hs-CRP measures general inflammation and can be used as a marker of heart disease and stroke risk. The lower your hs-CRP, the better.
Why is it under the Inflammation Axis?
Our hs-CRP test allows us to quantify CRP at extremely small concentrations than standard CRP tests, helping to identify a low but persistent presence of inflammation in your body. This can be an indicator of chronic inflammation types related to cardiovascular or autoimmune illnesses.
How can I better understand my results?
The American Heart Association identified that males, older adults, and certain ethnicities among other lifestyle factors are at risk of having higher hs-CRP levels.
To better interpret your results, the following values can be used to gauge the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important to note that since hs-CRP is a general marker of inflammation, even a simple illness such as the common cold can increase your levels above 10 mg/L, so it is important to consult with your physician if you are concerned with your levels.
- Healthy: < 0.3 mg/L
- Low risk: < 1.0 mg/L
- Moderate risk: 1.0 to 10 mg/L
- High risk: > 10 mg/L
- Critical: > 50 mg/L
Levels up to 1.0 mg/L are considered normal but may indicate minor elevation caused by obesity, pregnancy, depression, sedentary lifestyle, and common illnesses. Moderate elevation can indicate the presence of autoimmune disease or cardiovascular events such as a myocardial infarction. High risk is indicative of an infection or trauma and it is advisable to see a doctor.
Luckily, there are some lifestyle interventions that can lower hs-CRP levels.
If you have elevated hs-CRP levels, you can try:
- Staying physically fit
- Eating anti-inflammatory foods like tart cherry juice (see a list here of what to eat and what to avoid)
- Following a Mediterranean or DASH diet
- Quitting smoking
- Better oral hygiene
- Hopping into a sauna at least 2-3 times per week
- Supplementing with curcumin, magnesium, omega-3, and/or vitamin D
- Taking a vacation!
- Co-supplementing with zinc, vitamin A, and magnesium
Where can I learn more?
DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH ANY OF YOUR RESULTS, PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.