Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is CRP?PurposeCRP and Heart DiseaseResultshs-CRP Test ResultsAbout the CRP Test
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is CRP?
Purpose
CRP and Heart Disease
Results
hs-CRP Test Results
About the CRP Test
CRP tests provide an early clue that something is wrong in the body. In the case of a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test, it can be used to predict your risk of heart attack.
A CRP test cannot tell what the source of the inflammation is, but, when combined with other tests such as acomplete blood count (CBC), it can help narrow the possible causes.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
What Is C-Reactive Protein?
When there is any inflammatory condition in the body, the liver will release more CRP as the body fights the infection or heals damage.
Why Is the CRP Test Done?
The CRP test is used to determine if your symptoms are related to an inflammatory condition.
Because CRP levels are dynamic, rising and falling in tandem with inflammation, they can help determine whether the condition isacute(sudden, severe, and typically short-lasting) orchronic(persistent and often progressive).
Based on how high the CRP levels are, the lab can narrow the likely suspects. By way of example, CRP levels with acute bacterial infections will invariably be higher than with chronic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Although there are limitations to what the CRP test can reveal, it is a relatively reliable way to measure inflammation. The higher the CRP levels, the greater the amount of inflammation in the body.
The CRP test can help identify a wide array of medical conditions, including:
A CRP test is sometimes used to predict the progression of COVID-19. Studies have found that people with COVID-19 who have higher CRP levels have an increased chance of developing severe disease.
The CRP test is increasingly used to determine a person’s risk of heart attack or stroke and whether medications are needed to help lower the risk.
With heart disease, CRP levels tend to be modestly elevated and will gradually increase as the disease progresses. A test called a high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test can be used in people with risk factors for heart disease to decide whether treatment is needed.
In some cases, a CRP test can be the deciding factor even if levels are only mildly elevated.
Among the other risk factors that inform the decision to treat are:
Related TestsThe CRP test is often performed with another blood test called theerythrocyte sedimentationrate (ESR), which also checks for inflammation.
Related Tests
The CRP test is often performed with another blood test called theerythrocyte sedimentationrate (ESR), which also checks for inflammation.
What Is a High C-Reactive Protein Level?
The CRP test result is typically reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L).Over 10 mg/L is considered slightly elevated. A CRP level over 50 mg/L is considered alarming.
The results of the hs-CRP test are classified as follows to offer a sense of one’s risk of a heart attack or stroke:
If your hs-CRP results are high, your healthcare may recommend drugs to help reduce your blood pressure or cholesterol, such ascalcium channel blockersandstatins.
Based on a review of your lab tests and risk factors, other interventions may be recommended, including:
American Heart Association RecommendationsThe American Heart Association advises that people with CRP levels equal to or greater than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/L) may need more intense measures to prevent heart disease even if they are at borderline risk.
American Heart Association Recommendations
The American Heart Association advises that people with CRP levels equal to or greater than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/L) may need more intense measures to prevent heart disease even if they are at borderline risk.
A C-reactive protein test consists of ablood drawthat can be done in a lab or healthcare provider’s office. It usually takes less than five minutes.
Before getting a CRP test, let your healthcare provider know about any medications you take since some can affect CRP levels.
A CRP test doesn’t require fasting beforehand. However, other blood tests may be performed at the same time that do, such as a fasting cholesterol test. Speak with your healthcare provider or the lab to double-check.
After a CRP Test
When you’ve finished having your blood drawn, you can resume normal activities. Although there may be swelling, bruising, or pain at the injection site, the side effects tend to be mild and go away within a few days. If they don’t or get worse, call your healthcare provider.
The results of a CRP or hs-CRP test are typically returned within a day or two, depending on the lab.
The follow-up of a CRP test can vary based on your diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will consider your CRP results along with your symptoms and medical history, a physical exam, and other lab tests and procedures. The treatment or next steps will depend on that diagnosis.
With respect to the hs-CRP test, a repeat test may be ordered within two weeks since the results can fluctuate. If the results are borderline, the healthcare provider may take a watch-and-wait approach, re-testing after trying conservative measures like diet and exercise.
Cost of CRP TestsA CRP test is relatively inexpensive—around $12 to $16, on average. If you have health insurance, your plan should cover the cost at least in part.
Cost of CRP Tests
A CRP test is relatively inexpensive—around $12 to $16, on average. If you have health insurance, your plan should cover the cost at least in part.
Summary
The CRP test only requires a simple blood draw. The test cannot tell you why or where inflammation is occurring, but it can point to possible causes. There are many, including infection, pancreatitis, an autoimmune disorder, or cancer.
The high-sensitivity CRP is a variation of this test used to predict the risk of heart attack or stroke.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.C-reactive protein.Muthanna FM, Ibrahim HK, Al-Awkally NA, Yousuf A, Mounich K.C-reactive protein in patients with COVID-19: a scoping review.Int J Health Sci. 2022;6:1610-20. doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS5.8920Cozlea DL, Farcas DM, Nagy A, et al.The impact of C reactive protein on global cardiovascular risk on patients with coronary artery disease.Curr Health Sci J. 2013;39(4):225-231.MedlinePlus.Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, et al.2019 ACC/AHA guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.Circulation. 2019 Sep 10;140(11):e563-95. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.C-reactive protein.Muthanna FM, Ibrahim HK, Al-Awkally NA, Yousuf A, Mounich K.C-reactive protein in patients with COVID-19: a scoping review.Int J Health Sci. 2022;6:1610-20. doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS5.8920Cozlea DL, Farcas DM, Nagy A, et al.The impact of C reactive protein on global cardiovascular risk on patients with coronary artery disease.Curr Health Sci J. 2013;39(4):225-231.MedlinePlus.Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, et al.2019 ACC/AHA guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.Circulation. 2019 Sep 10;140(11):e563-95. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.C-reactive protein.Muthanna FM, Ibrahim HK, Al-Awkally NA, Yousuf A, Mounich K.C-reactive protein in patients with COVID-19: a scoping review.Int J Health Sci. 2022;6:1610-20. doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS5.8920Cozlea DL, Farcas DM, Nagy A, et al.The impact of C reactive protein on global cardiovascular risk on patients with coronary artery disease.Curr Health Sci J. 2013;39(4):225-231.MedlinePlus.Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, et al.2019 ACC/AHA guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.Circulation. 2019 Sep 10;140(11):e563-95. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
MedlinePlus.C-reactive protein.
Muthanna FM, Ibrahim HK, Al-Awkally NA, Yousuf A, Mounich K.C-reactive protein in patients with COVID-19: a scoping review.Int J Health Sci. 2022;6:1610-20. doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS5.8920
Cozlea DL, Farcas DM, Nagy A, et al.The impact of C reactive protein on global cardiovascular risk on patients with coronary artery disease.Curr Health Sci J. 2013;39(4):225-231.
MedlinePlus.Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, et al.2019 ACC/AHA guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.Circulation. 2019 Sep 10;140(11):e563-95. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies
