What is 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).

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.