C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the body in response to infection and can be targeted in blood tests to detect systemic infection. It can also be used to monitor chronic conditions and overall health, with high levels linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Factors such as diet, pregnancy, and liver disease can affect CRP levels.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance found in human blood. The body produces this protein in response to infection, making it a substance that can be targeted in blood tests that look for signs of systemic infection. A CRP test is a quick and relatively painless procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis in a hospital or medical clinic and can provide quick insight into a patient’s condition.
Under normal conditions, low levels of CRP are present in the blood. When an infection occurs, the liver and fat cells start producing CRP, at levels that can vary depending on the nature of the infection. Specific diseases can sometimes bind particular sugars to this protein, leaving telltale fingerprints that have potential diagnostic uses. Once the infection clears up, the protein breaks down, returning to negligible or low levels.
If a doctor suspects a patient may have an infection, a blood test may be ordered to check the levels of CRP and other substances in the blood. The test can also be used to monitor the progress of a chronic condition such as cancer or arthritis and to see how the body is responding to a particular drug. If protein levels drop after a drug change, it suggests that the drug may be working, causing the infection to go away. Normal ranges for CRP vary depending on the patient and their medical history.
In addition to being useful in evaluating particular medical conditions, levels of this protein can also be used as a yardstick for overall health. Using the so-called highly sensitive CRP test (hs-CRP), a laboratory can detect the very low levels of CRP present in the blood of people with no active infections. Higher levels of environmental CRP appear to be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes.
In addition to infection, many other things appear to affect the production of this protein. A high amount of dietary fat can cause an increase, especially if the fat comes from trans fat. Pregnancy also appears to elevate CRP levels, as does the use of hormonal contraceptive products. Liver disease can also alter the level of these proteins in the blood, as the liver is involved in the production of C-reactive protein. If an hs-CRP test comes back with a fairly high level, a doctor may ask a few questions to rule out these potential causes.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
