What Your hs-CRP Blood Test Indicates About Inflammation
Explore the importance of monitoring hs-CRP levels to gauge inflammation and assess disease risk. Understand causes of elevated hs-CRP, health implications, testing methods, and ways to manage inflammation for better health outcomes.
Published June 20, 2024.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a critical biomarker that provides valuable insights into your body's level of inflammation. Understanding and regularly monitoring its levels can be a powerful tool for evaluating your overall health and detecting potential risks early on.
The hs-CRP test is more sensitive than the standard CRP test and can detect even slight increases in CRP levels that are within the normal range. This makes it a valuable tool for determining the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people who don't already have heart disease.
» Take control of your health—get your hs-CRP levels tested and stay proactive
What causes elevated hs-CRP levels
Elevated hs-CRP levels often reveal underlying inflammation in the body. Various factors, such as infections, poor lifestyle choices like diet, lack of exercise, and smoking, trigger it. They aggravate the state primarily by increasing oxidative stress or promoting adiposity or excess body fat.
» Understand how inflammation affects your iron levels
Health risks of persistently elevated hs-CRP
Consistently elevated hs-CRP levels have long-term impacts on health and longevity. They increase the risk for conditions such as:
» Find out why blood tests are crucial and how they influence our longevity
- Cardiovascular disease: Elevated hs-CRP indicates higher inflammation, which can lead to arterial plaque buildup that increases the risk of heart and blood vessel issues. [1]
- Diabetes: Chronic inflammation is also associated with insulin resistance and diabetes development. [2]
- Autoimmune disorders: High hs-CRP reflects ongoing inflammation, possibly worsening autoimmune disease progression. [3]
Persistent inflammation can also speed up aging and affect overall well-being. To reduce potential health risks, you should manage these levels through lifestyle changes or medical intervention.
Testing hs-CRP levels
The primary method for measuring hs-CRP levels is a blood test. A phlebotomist collects a sample from a vein in the arm and analyzes it in a lab using highly sensitive assays capable of detecting them. This method is effective because it can detect even minor increases.
» Here's how to choose the right test for inflammation
Beyond the standard lab blood test, there are currently no widely used alternative methods for measuring hs-CRP levels. There are only complementary analyses, such as:
- Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2): A marker of vascular inflammation associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
- Fibrinogen: A blood-clotting protein that can indicate inflammation and is linked to cardiovascular events.
» Know your numbers, improve your health—test your hs-CRP
hs-CRP reference ranges
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American College of Endocrinology [4] categorize hs-CRP levels as follows:
| | hs-CRP levels |
|---|---|
| Normal risk | <1 mg/L |
| Moderate CVD risk | 1-3 mg/L |
| High risk* | >3 mg/L |
The organizations consider optimal hs-CRP levels to be under 2.0 mg/L for all adults. These ranges may vary due to underlying health conditions and genetics, but they're generally universal indicators of inflammation and disease risk.
Note: High hs-CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease [5], diabetes, and other conditions. [6] Always consult with a healthcare provider for personal health assessments and interpretations.
Interpreting hs-CRP test results: Factors to account for
- Certain chronic inflammatory diseases—lupus and rheumatoid arthritis—cause persistently high hs-CRP levels. They may not directly reflect cardiovascular risk.
- Statins and anti-inflammatory medication can lower CRP levels, masking increased hs-CRP. The doctor usually considers your medication history when interpreting the results.
- Obesity can affect testing as adipose tissues produce cytokines that increase CRP.
- Age and sex can also affect the interpretation of these results, as CRP levels vary with age.
Timing is a crucial factor for hs-CRP tests in women. The levels fluctuate, peaking during menstruation and decreasing when they reach ovulation. This rise and fall is due to estrogen's anti-inflammatory effects. For an accurate comparison, schedule blood draws on the same menstrual cycle day.
» Understand how to optimize training around your menstrual cycle
How to manage inflammation and optimize hs-CRP levels
The best way to optimize your hs-CRP levels is to test regularly, know your results, and take targeted action based on personalized recommendations. Lifestyle factors can influence your overall inflammatory state. The key areas to focus on are diet and physical activity.
» Take control of inflammation: test your hs-CRP and optimize your health
Dietary changes
Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids [7] may lower hs-CRP levels. On the other hand, increased sugar intake can increase them. [8]
The Mediterranean diet—known for its anti-inflammatory properties [7]—typically includes a high intake of:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Whole grains
- Fish
- Olive oil Wine (in moderate amounts)
» Discover key biomarkers to monitor on a very low-carb diet
Regular physical activity
Consistent exercise can lower hs-CRP and other markers of inflammation. [9,10] A study observed this effect, where workouts mobilized inflammation-countering T cells, known as Tregs, to improve the muscles' energy use and overall exercise endurance. [11]
» Find out if inflammation is affecting your training and recovery
Note: Stress management techniques like mindfulness and yoga may also positively impact inflammation markers, including hs-CRP. [12] But, we need more research to confirm the effects.
Medications to reduce inflammation and hs-CRP levels
Statins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and lower hs-CRP levels, potentially decreasing cardiovascular risk.
But these treatments can have side effects:
- Statins may cause muscle pain, liver damage, and increased blood sugar
- NSAIDs can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney damage
- Corticosteroids might cause weight gain, bone thinning, and immune system suppression
Optimizing hs-CRP for better health
Understanding hs-CRP levels can teach you about your inflammation status and reveal your risk of cardiovascular disease. If they're elevated, adopting a healthier lifestyle is a necessity.
The proactive measures we mentioned reduce inflammation and improve overall health and well-being. We advise you to discuss hs-CRP results and possible interventions with a healthcare provider to tailor actions to individual health needs.
InsideTracker Ultimate+Subscription plan blood tests measure hs-CRP and a variety of white blood cells to establish the body's levels of inflammation. These analyses can detect even smaller increases and provide straightforward information about how they affect health.
» Optimize your health—monitor your hs-CRP levels to take targeted action
References:
[1] Ridker PM. C-reactive protein, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease: clinical update. Tex Heart Inst J. 2005;32(3):384-6. PMID: 16392225; PMCID: PMC1336715.
[2] Halim, M., & Halim, A. (2019). The effects of inflammation, aging, and oxidative stress on the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes). Diabetes & metabolic syndrome, 13(2), 1165–1172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2019.01.040
[3] Furman, D., Campisi, J., Verdin, E., Carrera-Bastos, P., Targ, S., Franceschi, C., Slavich, G. M. (2019). Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-019-0675-0
[4] Jellinger, P. S., Handelsman, Y., Rosenblit, P. D., Bloomgarden, Z. T., Fonseca, V. A., Garber, A. J., Grunberger, G., Guerin, C. K., Bell, D. S. H., Mechanick, J. I., Pessah-Pollack, R., Wyne, K., Smith, D., Brinton, E. A., Fazio, S., & Davidson, M. (2017). AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF DYSLIPIDEMIA AND PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE. Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 23(Suppl 2), 1–87. https://doi.org/10.4158/EP171764.APPGL
[5] Banait T, Wanjari A, Danade V, Banait S, Jain J. Role of High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (Hs-CRP) in Non-communicable Diseases: A Review. Cureus. 2022 Oct 12;14(10):e30225. doi: 10.7759/cureus.30225. PMID: 36381804; PMCID: PMC9650935.
[6] Nehring, S. M. (2023). C Reactive Protein. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441843/
[7] Itsiopoulos, C., Mayr, H. L., & Thomas, C. J. (2022). The anti-inflammatory effects of a Mediterranean diet: a review. Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care, 25(6), 415–422. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000000872
[8] Mazidi, M., Kengne, A. P., Mikhailidis, D. P., Cicero, A. F., & Banach, M. (2018). Effects of selected dietary constituents on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in U.S. adults. Annals of medicine, 50(1), 1–6.
https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2017.1325967
[9]. 7. Abd El-Kader SM, Al-Shreef FM. Inflammatory cytokines and immune system modulation by aerobic versus resisted exercise training for elderly. Afr Health Sci. 2018 Mar;18(1):120-131. doi: 10.4314/ahs.v18i1.16. PMID: 29977265; PMCID: PMC6016983.
[10] Papagianni, G., Panayiotou, C., Vardas, M., Balaskas, N., Antonopoulos, C., Tachmatzidis, D., Didangelos, T., Lambadiari, V., & Kadoglou, N. P. E. (2023). The anti-inflammatory effects of aerobic exercise training in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cytokine, 164, 156157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156157
[11] Gazetteterrymurphy. (2024). New study explains how exercise reduces chronic inflammation. Retrieved from: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/11/new-study-explains-how-exercise-reduces-chronic-inflammation/
[12] Djalilova DM, Schulz PS, Berger AM, Case AJ, Kupzyk KA, Ross AC. Impact of Yoga on Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review. Biol Res Nurs. 2019 Mar;21(2):198-209. doi: 10.1177/1099800418820162. Epub 2018 Dec 20. PMID: 30572710; PMCID: PMC6700894.
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