hsCRP (High Sensitivity CRP) Test

HsCRP Blood Test for determining risk of CVD, heart attacks, and strokes and evaluating a person before development of one of these health problems.

• To predict the development of congestive heart disease.
• To identify the risk level for heart disease in otherwise healthy people.
• To help diagnose or monitor inflammation in acute or chronic conditions.
• Assess the possibility of coronary disease.
• Evaluate the probability of a second heart attack

HsCRP Blood Test measures low levels of CRP. Multiple measurements may be required to find out the correct baseline levels of  HsCRP

HsCRP Blood test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

hsCRP is a sensitive predictor of increased cardiovascular risk in both men and women. It is used for assessment of risk of developing Myocardial infarction in patients presenting with Acute coronary syndrome. It also assesses risk of developing Cardiovascular disease or ischemic event in individuals who do not manifest disease at present. It also provides independent risk in the prediction of  incident Diabetes
Patients with acute infection, systemic inflammatory process & trauma should not undergo this test

Your doctor may order a hs-CRP test if you have risk factors and symptoms of infection. Symptoms include:

• Unexplained pain
• Exhaustion
• Muscle soreness and stiffness
• Weakness
• Low-grade fever
• Chills
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Indigestion

In both men and women, high levels of hs-CRP are indicative of coronary risks in healthy individuals as well as in people with cardiac risk factors. But it might also indicate other inflammatory conditions like infection, cancer, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Women on birth control pills or in the second half of pregnancy can have high levels of hs-CRP. Hence, your doctor will interpret the hs-CRP result based on your symptoms and medical history.

hs-CRP levels less than 1.0 mg/L indicate low risk; those with average risk have hs-CRP in the range of 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L. Those at high risk have levels above 3.0 mg/L.

hs-CRP is one of the cardiac risk markers used to predict the risk of chronic heart disease. The test is sensitive in predicting a heart attack even in people whose cholesterol levels are within an acceptable range or who do not currently exhibit any disease-related symptoms. 

hs-CRP

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

Your doctor might order a hs-CRP test if you have risk factors and symptoms of infection or inflammation. These include:

• Patients with symptoms of inflammation like fever, chills, rapid breathing, or vomiting
• Patients with risk factors for heart diseases like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity.

The hs-CRP test detects the levels of CRP in the blood, which is a marker of inflammation. High levels of CRP indicate systemic inflammation, which can be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions, and other health issues.

The hs-CRP test reports indicate the level of CRP in the blood, categorised into low, average, and high-risk levels for heart disease. These levels help in assessing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.

A positive or high hs-CRP result indicates elevated inflammation and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Based on this, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications such as statins or anti-inflammatory drugs, and other interventions to reduce the risk of heart disease.

The benefits of the hs-CRP test include early detection of cardiovascular risk, monitoring of chronic inflammatory diseases, guidance for therapeutic decisions, prediction of future cardiovascular events, and additional prognostic value beyond other risk factors like cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

There is no direct evidence suggesting that low vitamin D causes high hs-CRP levels. However, various inflammatory conditions and health issues can elevate CRP levels.

Regular exercise can help reduce inflammation and lower hs-CRP levels. However, intense exercise shortly before the test can temporarily increase CRP levels.

You can lower your hs-CRP levels by maintaining a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing your weight, quitting smoking, and taking medications such as statins or anti-inflammatory drugs as recommended by your doctor.

High hs-CRP levels are not a condition that can be "cured" but rather managed through lifestyle changes and medical interventions aimed at reducing inflammation and the associated health risks.

The hs-CRP test is more sensitive than the standard CRP test, allowing it to detect smaller increases in CRP levels. This makes it particularly useful for assessing cardiovascular risk and monitoring low-level inflammation.

Possible causes of high hs-CRP levels include chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), infections, cardiovascular diseases (e.g., coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis), and other conditions such as asthma, migraine, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

While the hs-CRP test is highly useful for predicting cardiovascular risk, it is not specific to heart disease alone. Elevated hs-CRP levels can also indicate other inflammatory conditions.

The hs-CRP blood test is a simple blood test and does not pose any significant risks. However, the results may indicate underlying health issues that need attention.

The hs-CRP test is used to monitor and assess the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and other conditions associated with systemic inflammation.

Natural ways to reduce hs-CRP levels include following a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing your weight, quitting smoking, and reducing stress.

Yes, certain medications can affect CRP levels. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before the test.

No specific fasting is required before the hs-CRP test procedure, but it is crucial to inform the healthcare provider about any medications and dietary habits that could affect the results.

Factors that can affect hs-CRP test results include recent infections or injuries, acute or chronic inflammatory conditions, obesity, smoking, and certain medications.

The hs-CRP test reports are typically available after 4 hours, depending on the lab's processing time.