What is CRP? How does it occur?

The liver produces C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is frequently detected at a lower level. When there is inflammation in the body, its level rises. This reaction is caused by a wide variety of inflammations. An infection, myositis, or cancer are all possibilities. When inflammation occurs, the body attempts to heal by sending a “response team” of proteins, of which CRP is one.

What is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP tests?

CRP levels can rise in as little as 6 to 48 hours. Because of the wide range of inflammation mentioned above, a standard CRP test could take a few days and have low sensitivity and specificity. As a result, a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test, also known as a hs-CRP test, is required. The hs-CRP test is more sensitive and specific. It is highly effective in determining the risk of developing coronary artery disease and assessing pathology of any kind because it can detect slight increases within the normal range of standard CRP levels.

As a result, a standard CRP test is typically used for inflammation where CRP could be detected at a rate equal to or greater than 10 mg/L on average. It is important to note that CRP is measured in milligrammes per litre (mg/L). When inflammation can be detected at a lower level of less than 10 mg/L, hs-CRP, which has higher sensitivity and specificity, is commonly used. Heart and coronary artery disease are expected to have a lower range. Thus, the hs-CRP is frequently used to assess the risk of heart and coronary artery diseases, also known as cardiac-CRP (c-CRP) and calculated in conjunction with fat levels in patients with heart disease.

Table illustrating the relationship between thrombosis and hs-CRP levels
Source: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American Heart Association (AHA)

Risk                              hs-CRP level

Low                              < 1 mg/L.

Normal                         1-3 mg/L.

High                             > 3 mg/L.

In conclusion;

• A standard CRP test should be used when changes in CRP level are equal to or greater than 10 mg/L (high inflammation cases such as bacterial infection, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or rheumatoid arthritis).
• A hs-CRP test should be used in cases where changes in CRP levels are less than 10 mg/L (low inflammation cases such as coronary artery disease) and evaluated in conjunction with blood fat levels.

What can you do to lower your CRP level if the hs-CRP test results are high?

• Change your lifestyle by exercising more frequently, drinking less alcohol, smoking less, and attempting to stabilise your blood pressure.
• Increase your intake of Turmeric, Ginger, Green Tea, Probiotics, L-Carnitine, Magnesium, Omega 3, Vitamin C, D E, and Zinc.

There is also another test that can detect inflammation by focusing on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The test has the same goal as the CRP test: to look for inflammation that causes tissue damage. This test has the benefit of being inexpensive. However, it has several drawbacks, including a lengthy examination time, a large amount of blood required, and a lack of specificity. As a result, CRP is commonly used instead.

If you are interested in or require a test, whether CRP, hs-CRP or ESR, you should select a suitable examination or consult a specialist in this field.