About High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is part of the immune response and serves as a marker for inflammation in the body. Unlike standard CRP tests, the high-sensitivity version can detect low levels of CRP, useful for evaluating cardiovascular risk.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
Not specified
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels of hs-CRP may indicate increased inflammation in the body, which can be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke.
Low
Low levels of hs-CRP are generally not associated with specific health concerns and often indicate a lower level of systemic inflammation.
Symptoms
High
Symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches, and a general feeling of unwellness.
Low
Symptoms can include dizziness, weakness, fainting spells, and an increased risk of infections.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- dker, P. M., & Cook, N. R. (2019). Clinical Usefulness of Very High and Very Low Levels of hs-CRP Across the Full Range of Framingham Risk Scores. Circulation, 139(1), 1–3.
- arson, T. A., Mensah, G. A., Alexander, R. W., Anderson, J. L., Cannon, R. O., Criqui, M., ... & Vinicor, F. (2003). Markers of Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease: Application to Clinical and Public Health Practice: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association. Circulation, 107(3), 499–511.
- erging Risk Factors Collaboration. (2010). C-Reactive Protein Concentration and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, and Mortality: An Individual Participant Meta-Analysis. The Lancet, 375(9709), 132–140.
- erican Heart Association. (2020). C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test.
- nters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and Cardiovascular Disease.