hsCRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is produced by the liver in response to inflammation anywhere in the body. The "high-sensitivity" version of the test can detect very low levels of CRP, making it useful for assessing chronic, low-grade inflammation that standard CRP tests miss.
hsCRP is one of the most validated inflammatory biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular events. The American Heart Association considers hsCRP a useful adjunct to traditional lipid panels for cardiac risk stratification. It reflects the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis that lipid markers alone may not capture.
Because hsCRP responds to any inflammatory stimulus, an isolated high reading should be confirmed with a repeat test. Acute infections, injuries, or intense exercise can temporarily elevate hsCRP independent of chronic disease risk.
What It Measures
hsCRP measures the concentration of C-reactive protein in the blood at very low levels. It reflects the degree of systemic inflammation and is used to assess cardiovascular risk beyond traditional cholesterol markers.
Reference Ranges
| Status | Range (mg/L) |
|---|---|
| Optimal | < 0.5 mg/L |
| Normal | 0.5–1.0 mg/L |
| Borderline | 1.0–3.0 mg/L |
| Out of Range | > 3.0 mg/L |
Optimal Ranges
| Group | Range | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low cardiovascular risk | 0–1 | mg/L | AHA/CDC guidelines |
| Average risk | 1–3 | mg/L | AHA/CDC guidelines |
| High risk | 3–10 | mg/L | AHA/CDC guidelines |
When Values Are High
Indicates systemic inflammation. Chronically elevated hs-CRP (>3 mg/L) doubles cardiovascular risk independent of cholesterol. Values >10 mg/L suggest acute infection or injury rather than chronic inflammation.
When Values Are Low
Low hs-CRP (<1 mg/L) indicates minimal systemic inflammation and is associated with lower cardiovascular risk. This is the target for preventive cardiology.
What To Do
Lifestyle
- •Regular aerobic exercise lowers hs-CRP by 20–30%
- •Mediterranean diet reduces inflammatory markers
- •Prioritize sleep — poor sleep elevates CRP
- •Manage stress — chronic cortisol drives inflammation
Supplements
- •Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA 2–4g/day) reduce CRP
- •Curcumin with piperine has anti-inflammatory effects
- •Magnesium deficiency correlates with elevated CRP
When to Retest
Retest 4–8 weeks after lifestyle intervention; wait 2+ weeks after acute illness
How GATOR Tracks This
Lab Providers
Related Biomarkers
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and individual factors. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of your results and treatment decisions.
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