A CRP test or C-reactive protein test helps to measure the amount of C-reactive protein in the blood.
The liver produces C-reactive protein, CRP in response to inflammation in the body.
With the help of this, the doctor can diagnose acute and chronic conditions that cause inflammation.
Moreover, a huge variety of inflammatory conditions can lead to an elevation in CRP levels.
These include autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, RA, lupus, certain types of inflammatory bowel diseases, IBD like Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Also, pericarditis which is the inflammation of the lining of the heart, infection, organ and tissue injury, cancer, and obesity can cause an increase in CRP levels.
High CRP levels are always a sign of a serious underlying medical condition and medically reviewed.
However, slight or moderate elevations of 0.3 to 1.0 milligrams per deciliter, mg/dL may occur when a person is pregnant and people with mild infections like diabetes, and some other conditions.
Keep on reading to learn more about C-reactive protein, CRP test.
C-Reactive Protein Test
C-reactive protein, CRP is a substance the liver prodcues in response to inflammation.
A high level of c-reactive protein CRP in the blood can be a marker of inflammation.
Moreover, a number of different conditions can cause it, ranging from an infection to cancer.
High CRP levels can also indicate that there is inflammation in the arteries of the heart.
This means that there is a higher risk of a heart attack.
However, the CRP test is extremely nonspecific.
CRP levels can increase due to a number of inflammatory conditions.
These include:
- autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus,
- certain types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- pericarditis, which is inflammation of the lining of the heart
- infection
- organ and tissue injury
- cancer
- obesity
It is important to note that the most common cause of high CRP levels is a severe infection.
While other possible causes include a poorly controlled autoimmune disease and severe tissue damage.
Purpose of a CRP Test
In case a doctor suspects a patient to have an inflammatory disorder like arthritis, cancer, an infection, etc. they can order a C-reactive protein test.
This test can show whether there are high levels of inflammation.
However, it does not show where inflammation is or what may be causing it.
Moreover, if a doctor previously diagnoses a patient with an inflammatory issue, they may also order this test occasionally to see how the treatment is working.
And if the issue is being properly managed.
It is important to note that a high-sensitive C-reactive protein, i.e. hs-CRP test is a slightly different test than a regular one.
This one will help predict heart disease and stroke.
While a regular CRP test can help uncover different diseases that cause inflammation by measuring high levels of this protein, the hs-CRP measures lower, but still elevated levels of protein.
These can be a signal that there is a risk of heart disease and stroke.
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CRP Test and Heart Disease
According to the opinion of experts from the American Heart Association, when considering all risk factors, people with CRP levels greater than or equal to 2 milligrams per liter, mg/L may need more intense measures to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Elevate levels of CRP may play an important role in identifying people who may need closer follow-up.
Or more intensive treatment after heart attacks or heart procedures.
Moreover, CRP levels can be useful in identifying people at risk of heart disease when cholesterol levels alone are not helpful.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC considers the following as significant risk factors for developing heart disease:
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- smoking
- a diet that is low in nutrients and higher in fat and refined carbs
- physical inactivity
- heavy alcohol use
- overweight and obesity
Moreover, a family history of heart disease can also put you at a higher risk of heart disease.
What does the Test include?
There is no need to fast or avoid liquids before a CRP test.
However, people who have high sensitivity CRP or hs-CRP test may need to have other blood tests at the same time.
Moreover, they may require them to fast for 9 to 12 hours beforehand.
hs-CRP
Though both tests measure the levels of the same molecule in the blood, the hs-CRP test tends to be different from the CRP test.
The hs-CRP test will help detect a small increase in CRP in the bloodstream.
It measures lower levels of CRP molecules than the CRP test.
Doctors can use the hs-CRP test to evaluate the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and other heart conditions in a healthy person.
Some conditions and factors that may cause an elevated hs-CRP level are:
- irritable bowel syndrome, IBS
- atherosclerosis
- diabetes
- a sedentary lifestyle
Getting a maple for both CRP tests involves drawing blood, which often takes just a few minutes.
Symptoms of high CRP
The symptoms of elevated CRP levels depend on the underlying condition that causes them.
However, a number of people with moderate infections or injuries, or conditions that cause chronic inflammation can experience similar symptoms.
These include unexplained exhaustion, pain, muscle stiffness, soreness, and weakness.
Moreover, low-grade fever, chills, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, indigestion, difficulty sleeping or insomnia, and unexplained weight loss are symptoms.
People with very high CRP levels tend to have an acute infection in most cases.
The symptoms of acute infection are:
- high fever
- rapid heart rate
- uncontrollable sweating chills or shaking
- uncontrollable or persistent vomiting, retching, or diarrhea
- difficulty breathing
- rash or hives
- parched lips, mouth, and skin
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- a severe headache
- body pain
- soreness
- loss of consciousness
Furthermore, some people with high CRP may have few or no symptoms at all.
This is especially in cases when the person is in the early stages of heart disease.
Ranges of CRP Test
There is currently no standard for CRP blood levels, and different labs may have slightly different guidelines as well.
This means that there will be a slight elevation in CRP levels which will mean nothing.
However, as a general rule, the following classification applies to CRP tests:
Minor Elevation
This ranges to levels between 0.3 mg/dL and 1.0 mg/dL and this can occur in people who are:
- sedentary
- pregnancy
- or living with a chronic condition like diabetes
Moreover, mild infections like the common cold can also trigger these elevations.
Moderate Elevation
This refers to levels between 1.0 mg/dL and 10.0 mg/dL which can indicate a more significant issue.
A moderate elevation may be due to acute inflammation from an infection or chronic inflammation from a seriuos disease, like RA, or heart disease.
Severe Infection
It refers to levels above 50.0 mg/dL and this elevation warns of acute bacterial infection.
Furthermore, it is important to note that CRP levels above 10.0 mg/dL are marked elevation and will indicate an underlying inflammatory issue.
The hs-CRP test results also indicate the risk of cardiovascular disease in a person with the following ranges:
- less than 2 mg/l indicates a lower risk
- greater than 2 mg/l shows a higher risk
Interpreting the Results
CRP levels that are mildly or moderately elevated can be hard to interpret.
This is because a huge range of conditions can increase CRP levels slightly and there is no standard reference range for CRP.
Moreover, there is often no way to draw any conclusion by looking at CRP levels alone.
The following factors can also make it challenging for a doctor to interpret CRP level:
Lifestyle: People who smoke, are obese, or do little exercise may have higher than normal CRP levels.
Minor Injuries or Infections: These conditions can temporarily raise CRP levels and conceal other conditions like diabetes or IBD.
Chronic Conditions: Conditions that cause persistent inflammation like autoimmune disease, may mask other possible causes of elevated CRP like a minor infection.
Estrogen Levels: Estrogen-based medications like birth control pills and hormone replacement medications can raise CRP levels.
Pregnancy: It is important to note that pregnancy can also raise CRP levels, especially during later stages.
A doctor will order a CRP test measures along with different other tests to get a broad overview of the health of a person.
This will allow them to consider a wide range of medical factors.
Furthermore, a doctor will also wish to repeat the test to see how CRP levels change over time before they make a diagnosis.
However, regardless of any external factors, CRP levels above 10 mg/dL will indicate an underlying inflammatory issue.
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Potential Risks
A CRP test requires only a blood sample from a vein and these tests pose very little risk to a person and are safe.
A person is likely to experience a pricking sensation when a technician inserts the needle.
Moreover, the site of the needle insertion may continue to throb or sting during the blood draw and possibly for some time afterward.
While some people may also have the following symptoms after a blood draw:
- bruising at the site of the blood draw
- dizziness or fainting during or after the test
- soreness at the site of the blood draw
People with bleeding disorders may have excessive bleeding after the blood draw.
Therefore, a person should let their healthcare professional know if they have a history of bleeding disorders or excessive bleeding.
What to Expect?
A doctor can recommend a CRP test depending on other symptoms and as a follow-up to other blood work of a person.
A person who shows signs of acute inflammation may be very sick with symptoms of infection.
However, chronic inflammation may cause health conditions like pain or heart health issues.
A person with either group of symptoms may need this test.
Moreover, a person may undergo the test at the office of the doctor or they may go to the lab.
It does not require any special preparation and is safe for anyone who does not have a seriuos bleeding disorder.
During the procedure, a technician or a phlebotomist will wrap a rubber band around the arm of a person, just above their elbow.
Next, they may also tap on the veins or ask a person to make a fist to make the vein more visible.
Then they will puncture a vein with a small needle and allow blood to flow into a test tube.
In some cases, a person may choose to have blood drawn from a vein elsewhere in the body.
Some people may feel dizzy or faint during or after the blood draw.
So, people who faint during blood draws may ask to lie down during or after the procedure.
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Follow-up
Very high CRP levels indicate a medical emergency and a person may need prompt care in the hospital.
However, if the CRP level of the person is only moderately elevated, determining the cause can be difficult.
This is especially the case if there are few or no symptoms.
A doctor, in such a case, may recommend the following:
- additional tests for potential causes
- follow-up testing in 1 to 2 months
- monitoring for other symptoms
Moreover, a person should tell the doctor about their health history and any recent symptoms that they have experienced as this inflammation may aid the diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
Doctors use CRP and hs-CRP tests to find the levels of CRP in the body. Elevated levels of protein can indicate an underlying condition or a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The treatment for such levels will differ depending on the cause.
In some cases, elevated CRP does not require any treatment and this is most common when there is temporary elevation due to pregnancy, a mild infection, or a physical injury.
People with elevated CRP should follow up with a healthcare professional to discuss the next steps and reduce their risk of seriuos health issues. A range of conditions can cause mildly or moderately raised CRP levels, however, very high CRP levels are easier to interpret.
