C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the body that can indicate the presence of inflammation or infection. Elevated CRP levels can be caused by various factors, including chronic conditions and unhealthy lifestyle choices. A CRP test is a diagnostic tool that requires a blood draw to evaluate protein levels and can be used to monitor disease progression and detect arterial inflammation. Elevated CRP levels are generally considered to be above 3 mg/dL and additional diagnostic tests are often needed to determine the source and extent of inflammation.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a naturally occurring molecular substance produced by the body that can be evaluated for the presence of inflammation. Individuals who have moderate to high amounts of C-reactive protein, as measured by a C-reactive protein test, likely have some degree of inflammation or infection in their system. The connection between CRP and inflammation is often indicative of an inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, but it can also serve as a means of monitoring and measuring disease progression.
Originating in the liver, C-reactive protein maintains a constant, subtle presence in the blood. Considered a key element in maintaining healthy immunity, CRP levels are generally influenced by lifestyle and heredity and vary between individuals. Individuals diagnosed with liver failure experience significant impairment of CRP production, which can negatively affect the body’s ability to ward off infection and fight inflammation.
The production of C-reactive protein often depends on the body’s general condition and ability to function. Under normal circumstances, a blood sample shows no sign of the protein. CRP production increases to detectable levels when infection and/or inflammation is present in the body. The severity of the infection or inflammation will directly correspond to the amount of CRP being produced. It is important to understand that the presence of chronic progressive conditions, such as atherosclerosis and some cancers, can initiate a steady increase in CRP and long-term inflammation.
A C-reactive protein test is a diagnostic tool that requires a blood draw to evaluate protein levels. The test is also known by the monikers ultrasensitive CRP (us-CRP) and highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP). Regardless of the name used, the test is still administered with the expectation of acquiring the same result, which is an accurate measurement of C-reactive protein levels in the blood. Obtained from the arm, the blood is placed in a vial and sent for laboratory analysis. The test has the same risks as any blood draw, including puncture site irritation, bleeding, and infection.
All PCR results are interpreted broadly. Although result values may vary depending on the laboratory used, elevated CRP levels simply indicate that inflammation is present. Measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), high CRP levels are generally considered to be above 3 mg/dL. Additional diagnostic tests are often needed for individuals with an elevated CRP reading to determine the source and extent of the inflammation.
Several situations can contribute to elevated CRP and inflammation. In some cases, the infection can cause a spike in CRP production, and once the infection is treated, protein levels return to normal. Elevated CRP and inflammation can also be triggered by diabetes, physical trauma, and arterial swelling. It is possible that chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), may also cause increased CRP production. Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as prolonged inactivity and smoking, can contribute to elevated CRP levels.
In recent years, the recognized connection between CRP and inflammation has been used as a guideline to help determine one’s risk for cardiovascular disease. Arterial inflammation, understood to be a contributing factor to the development of heart disease, can be detected and monitored with periodic C-reactive protein testing. Smokers, obese individuals, and those with a family history of cardiovascular problems are often encouraged to have periodic CRP tests.
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