High HS-CRP levels may indicate inflammation in the body.
CRP is a protein produced by the liver and its levels rise when inflammation occurs in the body. The HS-CRP test is also particularly sensitive to lower levels of CRP, so it can be used to assess mild inflammatory conditions that may not be detected by a conventional CRP test.
Why is it bad to have a high HS-CRP level?
Cardiovascular disease risk: high HS-CRP levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Elevated levels may indicate inflammation in blood vessels, which can contribute to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and other heart problems.
Chronic diseases: persistently high levels of HS-CRP can indicate chronic inflammation in the body, which may be linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or even certain cancers.
Acute inflammation or infection: a sudden rise in HS-CRP levels may indicate acute inflammation or infection, such as a bacterial infection, an autoimmune flare-up or tissue damage (for example after surgery or injury).
Blood tests are needed to detect high HS-CRP levels. HS-CRP is an inflammatory marker that indicates inflammation in the body and may be closely associated with cardiovascular disease.
This is how the HS-CRP test works:
Medical consultation: first consult your doctor, who will order a blood test if necessary.
Blood sampling: blood sampling is a simple procedure that involves taking a blood sample from your arm. It is usually done on an empty stomach.
Laboratory test: the blood sample taken is sent to a laboratory where the level of HS-CRP is determined.
Result: the results will be ready within a few days and will be assessed by your doctor. The CRP level is normally low, but if it is high, it may indicate inflammation.
Interpretation of results
Normal value: below 1 mg/L
Medium risk: 1-3 mg/L
High risk: above 3 mg/L
What should you do if you have high HS-CRP levels?
Your doctor can help you interpret the results and discuss the steps you need to take. If the level is high, he or she may suggest further tests to find the cause of the inflammation.
A healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation and stress management can all help to reduce inflammation and therefore normalise HS-CRP levels. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or other specific treatments to treat the underlying condition, which may help to reduce levels.
It is important to note that a high HS-CRP level is not a diagnosis, but an indication that requires further testing and medical evaluation. If it is high, do not ignore it because there is a reason!
