Hs-CRP Test: Everything You Need to Know

What is hs-CRP Test?

A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein or hs-CRP is a biochemical marker for detecting silent cardiovascular disease (CVD) issues. The liver secretes these proteins in response to underlying inflammation. A high concentration of hs-CRP confirms reduced cardiovascular fitness. 

In addition, patients with hs-CRP higher than the threshold may have underlying chronic illnesses. Seek clinical support if you experience prolonged thoracic discomfort or develop frequent sickness. 

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Test: Diagnostic Levels

A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein is an advanced clinical marker for detecting cardiac anomalies. It is an acute-phase protein that enhances response to the underlying infection. A specialised diagnostic technique, hs-CRP, is suggested for existing patients with a significant risk of developing heart issues. 

Check out the approximate concentration (mg/L) of high-sensitivity c-reactive protein in the blood below:

• Less than 1.0 mg/L (hs-CRP normal range suggesting no underlying health complications)
• Between 1.0 mg/L to 3.0 mg/L (the moderate concentration suggesting underlying inflammation and CVD complications)
• Above 3.0 mg/L (excess concentration indicating CAD issues and chronic illness left untreated)

In addition, individuals with an hs-CRP concentration of over 10.0 mg/L need immediate clinical attention as it suggests acute underlying infection.

What is the Clinical Significance of an HS-CRP Test?

An hs-CRP test helps your doctor detect the underlying causes of infection. This clinical marker effectively detects cardiovascular issues among new patients reporting unexplained thoracic discomfort. It is produced by hepatocytes in the liver, meaning individuals with liver disease are prone to report higher concentrations. 

Besides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein provides accurate epidemiological data on chronic sickness (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), auto-immune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis) and viral infections (influenza). A routine hs-CRP marker test helps thwart sudden myocardial infarction among healthy individuals without a history of heart ailments.

The hs-CRP marker is detected in the blood, meaning IV samples are collected similarly to blood tests. Your doctor would suggest this examination for advanced diagnosis options when overall symptoms are inadequate for detecting underlying ailments. This marker diagnostic test could also get repeated after 2-3 weeks for patients with a concentration above 3.0 mg/L. 

What Health Conditions Get Detected by The HS-CRP Test?

A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein hs-CRP test can indicate multiple health conditions that otherwise may not show sufficient overall symptoms. It comprises most cardiovascular disorders, liver ailments, dental issues and viral infections. Since the hs-CRP marker is a specialised diagnostic test, your doctor may suggest it if you experience recurrent cardiac anomalies. 

Again, the hs-CRP marker has more applications than evaluating cardiac fitness. Some ailments show no symptoms on the surface unless infections reach an advanced stage. An extensive concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in your blood suggests underlying inflammation is left unchecked.  

Let us learn more about potential diseases, including spikes beyond the hs-CRP normal range. It includes the following:

• Acute viral infections can cause pulmonary issues, including recurrent flu.
• It also detects underlying malignant growth and initiation/progression of cancer.
• The hs-CRP marker measures the imminent risk of atherosclerotic anomalies, peripheral arterial disease and stroke in existing patients or those with no cardiac ailment history.
• The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein is also crucial to detect the presence of underlying auto-immune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and systemic lupus erythematosus)

When should I get an hs-CRP Test?

Consider getting an hs-CRP test if you have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as:

• Being a man over 50 or woman over 60
• Having high cholesterol, hypertension, or diabetes
• Smoking or having a family history of heart disease

Your doctor may recommend the hs-CRP test along with other blood tests to comprehensively evaluate your heart disease risk. It's also used to detect chronic inflammation from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

What should we expect during the hs-CRP Test?

The hs-CRP test is a simple blood test performed at a lab. Here's what to expect:

• A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle.
• The procedure is just like any routine blood test and takes only a few minutes.
• No special preparation is needed before the test.

What should we expect after the hs-CRP Test?

After the hs-CRP test, you can resume your normal activities right away. There's no recovery time needed. The blood sample will be analysed to measure your CRP levels, with results usually available in a few days.

If your hs-CRP test report shows an elevated CRP level above 10 mg/L, your doctor may repeat the test after two weeks. This helps rule out temporary spikes due to infections or acute inflammation before making clinical decisions.

What Are The Uses of the hs-CRP Test?

The main hs-CRP test uses include:

• Evaluating heart disease risk by detecting low-grade inflammation linked to atherosclerosis
• Predicting the likelihood of a recurrent heart attack in people with established heart disease
• Diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Identifying subtle inflammation associated with diabetes, asthma, and other diseases

What Are The Benefits of the hs-CRP Test?

Key hs-CRP test benefits are:

• Early detection of cardiovascular risk before symptoms appear
• Improved risk assessment when combined with cholesterol tests
• Non-invasive and simple procedure requiring just a blood draw
• Useful for tracking disease activity in inflammatory disorders
• Helps guide lifestyle changes or medications to lower heart risk

HS-CRP Test: Prevention and Treatment

The hs-CRP test precisely highlights the risks of developing the mentioned health anomalies. It predicts the chances of worsening existing symptoms among patients with comorbidities. The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test is used as an advanced parameter to prevent the worsening of chronic symptoms. 

Your physician may suggest this advanced diagnostic marker test to evaluate the prognosis of your existing sickness. Additionally, early detection of moderate hs-CRP levels can ensure preventive measures to contain the advancement of your illness. Check out more about the preventive advantages of an hs-CRP test:

• It detects cardiac ailments at an initial stage.
• A hs-CRP marker plays a vital role in tracking the progression of cancerous infections.
• This marker is crucial to prevent the worsening of liver and respiratory ailments.
• Patients with periodontal problems also show high hs-CRP concentration.
• It helps reverse existing blood pressure anomalies, sedentary lifestyle and early detection of auto-immune disorders.

Who is at Risk of Needing an HS-CRP Test?

If your hs-CRP marker concentration lies above 3.0 mg/L, seek prompt consultation with your physician. This suggests the presence of one or more mentioned comorbidities, triggering inflammation in your body and the liver to secrete hs-CRP. Here is more about vulnerable sections of individuals requiring immediate treatment if showing recurrent concentration above the hs-CRP normal range. 

• Individuals with a history of serial smoking, severe alcoholism and poor lifestyle practices
• Patients with poor immunity prone to frequent illness
• Patients with underlying silent malignant proliferation or auto-immune disorders
• Patients with existing cardiac ailments (atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, transient ischaemic attack, myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular history)
• Individuals with a recurrent history of thoracic discomfort, lung infections, liver ailments and chronic pulmonary ailments
• Untreated symptoms of abnormally high blood pressure, chronic hypertension, diabetes and kidney ailments

A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test is a state-of-the-art biochemical marker to predict potential risks of future ailments. Its accuracy in predicting cardiovascular issues, auto-immune disorders and liver and pulmonary issues makes it quintessential to detecting asymptomatic conditions with limited diagnosis. 

If you have one or more of the mentioned comorbidities or a family history of ailments, consult your doctor to learn more about a prompt hs-CRP marker test diagnosis. 
If you have recurrent chest pain or develop frequent illness, your doctor may suggest a hs-CRP test for advanced diagnosis. Are you searching for a doorstep collection of your blood samples? Metropolis Labs provides doorstep blood sample collection for your hs-CRP marker test. Contact your nearest Metropolis Lab to send a technician home today. 

FAQs

How to cure high hs-CRP?

To lower high hs-CRP, focus on reducing inflammation through lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and maintaining a normal weight. Medications to manage cholesterol, blood pressure, or inflammatory diseases may also help. Always follow your doctor's treatment plan.

What is a critical value for hs-CRP?

An hs-CRP level above 10 mg/L is considered high and often indicates significant inflammation or infection. Your doctor will likely repeat the test after two weeks to see if the elevation persists.

What is a normal risk level for the hs-CRP test?

The hs-CRP test normal range for cardiovascular risk is:

• Under 1.0 mg/L: Low risk
• 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L: Average risk
• Over 3.0 mg/L: High risk

What is the hs-CRP test for?

The hs-CRP test is for detecting subtle inflammation that can indicate an increased risk of heart disease or chronic inflammatory disorders. It helps identify people at higher risk and guides preventive strategies.

What are the high hs-CRP symptoms?

High hs-CRP itself doesn’t cause symptoms. It indicates inflammation in the body, which may be linked to conditions like heart disease, infection, or autoimmune disorders that can cause fatigue, pain, or fever.

What is the difference between the standard C-reactive protein and the hs-CRP tests?

The standard CRP test detects major inflammation, while the hs-CRP test measures low levels of inflammation to assess heart disease risk. hs-CRP is more sensitive than the standard CRP test.

Conclusion

The hs-CRP test is a powerful tool for detecting inflammation and assessing heart disease risk. By measuring CRP, it provides valuable insights to guide preventive care. If you're in a higher-risk group or have concerns, talk to your doctor about the hs-CRP test cost, hs-CRP test uses, and hs-CRP test benefits.

At Metropolis Healthcare, we understand the importance of early detection and prevention when it comes to heart disease. Our team of qualified blood collection technicians can perform the hs-CRP test in the comfort of your home, and our advanced diagnostic labs ensure accurate results. With convenient online report access through email and the user-friendly Metropolis TruHealth app, you can easily monitor your health and make informed decisions.