What is a C-reactive Protein?
If you have high cholesterol, you've undoubtedly been urged to reduce the LDL level from your blood test. LDL is the "bad cholesterol," which contributes to plaque and can obstruct your arteries. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.
But it is only part of the story. According to research, a large proportion of persons who have had heart attacks have LDL-C values that are ordinary or ideal. L levels. As a result, many doctors utilize another test, known as the C-reactive protein test, to determine who is at risk.
The liver produces C-reactive protein (CRP). Its level rises when your body experiences inflammation. LDL cholesterol coats and destroys the walls of your arteries. This damage creates inflammation, which the body attempts to cure by activating a "response team" of proteins known as "acute phase reactants." CRP is one of these proteins.
Why is a C-reactive protein test performed?
The C-reactive protein (CRP) test determines the amount of C-reactive protein in your blood.
One study discovered that CRP testing is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than the LDL test. However, a CRP test cannot be used to diagnose cardiac disease. It is a test for inflammation in the body.
The test is also used to diagnose autoimmune illnesses such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. These illnesses also produce inflammation. A doctor may test someone with either illness to evaluate if anti-inflammatory medicine is effective, but the CRP test cannot determine where the inflammation is occurring in the body.
You can also use this test to:
Examine for infections such as sepsis (body inflammation), fungal, or bone infections.
Understand your risk of heart disease.
Learn your chances of having a second heart attack.
Look for inflammatory bowel disease or pelvic inflammatory illness.
Check for lung disease.
When should I get a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test?
If you suffer infection-related symptoms like:
Fever
Chills
A rapid heartbeat
Rapid breathing.
Nausea and vomiting.
Your doctor may also request the test if you have an inflammatory illness, such as an autoimmune disease.
C-Reactive Protein Test Preparation
It is a basic blood test. A sample is taken from a vein, most often in your arm. There is no need for any extra preparation (such as fasting), and the test is painless other than a sting on the arm where the needle is inserted. Medication may affect the test, so ask your doctor if you should reduce your intake before the test. The blood sample is examined in a laboratory.
C-Reactive Protein Test Results
Each lab will establish its own ranges for normal. The table below provides an overview of CRP levels and what they may signify.
CRP LEVEL
CLASSIFICATION
POSSIBLE REASON
Less than 0.3 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)
Normal
Normal
0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL
Normal or minor elevation
obesity, pregnancy, depression, diabetes, cold, sedentary lifestyle
1.0 to 10.0 mg/dL
Moderate elevation
Bodily inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases), heart attack, pancreatitis, bronchitis
More than 10.0 mg/dL
Marked elevation
Acute bacterial infections, viral infections, systemic vasculitis, major trauma
More than 50.0 mg/dL
Severe elevation
Acute bacterial infections
What Do High CRP Levels Mean?
Results greater than ten milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are deemed high. High levels usually indicate that you have some form of inflammation in your body. This could be the result of an infection, a traumatic injury, or a chronic condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis. However, the test will not tell you what is causing the inflammation. The doctor would need to perform additional testing for this.
You may possibly have a high amount because you are in the second half of your pregnancy or are taking birth control pills.
Moderate elevation.
If your CRP level falls between 1 and 10 mg/dL, you may have:
Bodily inflammation caused by autoimmune illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Heart attack.
Pancreatitis
Bronchitis.
Marked elevation.
If your CRP level falls between 10 and 50 mg/dL, you may have:
Acute bacterial infections.
Viral infections.
Systemic vasculitis (inflammation of arteries and veins)
Major trauma (a severe injury that could result in death)
Severe elevation.
A CRP level of more than 50 mg/dL is associated with bacterial infections 90% of the time.
C-reactive Protein Test for Heart Disease
High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is a version of the CRP test used to detect cardiovascular disease (CVD). The hs-CRP test is particularly useful for persons who are 10% to 20% likely to have a heart attack during the next ten years. The American College of Cardiology supports universal screening for both low and high risk patients.
CRP appears to indicate the likelihood of developing cardiac problems, at least as well as cholesterol levels. A study discovered that high levels of C-reactive protein were associated with a threefold increased risk of heart attack.
Here's what the findings signify.
hs-CRP levels less than 1.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L) indicate a reduced risk of CVD (heart disease).
hs-CRP levels between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L indicate a moderate or medium risk of CVD. Levels above 3.0 mg/L indicate a high risk of CVD.
Because your CRP levels can change, the test should be repeated twice (2 weeks apart) to determine your risk of heart disease. A high reading does not necessarily indicate the presence of heart disease. To gain a complete picture of your CVD risk, you should also evaluate your LDL levels.
What is the treatment for high C-reactive protein?
If your CRP level is moderate or high, you should take the following steps to lower your risk of heart disease:
Follow a heart-healthy diet.
Lower your high cholesterol.
Maintain your weight where it should be.
Exercise regularly.
Manage your diabetes and excessive blood pressure.
Quit smoking and all other forms of tobacco use.
Limit your alcohol intake.
Statins, the most often recommended cholesterol-lowering medicines, may minimize your risk of heart disease if your CRP is elevated. However, if your cholesterol levels are normal or low, a statin can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Speak with your doctor about which therapies are best for you.
Conclusion :
The CRP test detects the amount of C-reactive protein in your blood. Your liver produces this protein, and its levels rise when there is inflammation in the body. The test can determine whether you have an infection, certain disorders, or are at risk for heart disease. However, in most cases, your doctor will need to do additional precise tests to determine the cause of your elevated CRP.