High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

What is hs-CRP?

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an acute inflammatory protein produced by your liver in response to infection or inflammation. hs-CRP measures general inflammation and can be used as a marker of heart disease and stroke risk. The lower your hs-CRP, the better.

Why is hsCRP important?

SiPhox Health‘s hs-CRP test can quantify CRP at extremely small concentrations than standard CRP tests, helping to identify a low but persistent presence of inflammation in your body. This can be an indicator of chronic inflammation types related to cardiovascular or autoimmune illnesses.

How can I better understand my hsCRP levels?

The American Heart Association identified that males, older adults, and certain ethnicities among other lifestyle factors are at risk of having higher hs-CRP levels. 

To better interpret your results, the following values can be used to gauge the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important to note that since hs-CRP is a general marker of inflammation, even a simple illness such as the common cold can increase your levels above 10 mg/L, so it is important to consult with your physician if you are concerned with your levels.

• Healthy: < 1.0 mg/L
• Slightly high: 1-1.5 mg/L
• Moderate risk: 1.0 to 10 mg/L
• High risk: > 10 mg/L
• Critical: > 50 mg/L

Ranges specific to the Cardiometabolic Program:

• Optimal: ≤ 0.75 mg/L
• Good: .76-1.4 mg/L
• Fair: 1.5-1.99 mg/L
• Pay attention: ≥2 mg/L

Levels up to 1.0 mg/L are considered normal but may indicate minor elevation caused by obesity, pregnancy, depression, sedentary lifestyle, and common illnesses. Moderate elevation can indicate the presence of autoimmune disease or cardiovascular events such as a myocardial infarction. High risk is indicative of an infection or trauma and it is advisable to see a doctor.

How can I maintain optimal hsCRP levels?

Luckily, some lifestyle interventions can lower hs-CRP levels.

Dietary Changes: Eating anti-inflammatory foods like tart cherry juice (see a list here of what to eat and what to avoid) and following a Mediterranean or DASH diet can help lower hsCRP levels.

Lifestyle Changes: Staying physically fit, quitting smoking, practicing better oral hygiene, hopping into a sauna at least 2-3 times per week, and taking a vacation can all help to lower hsCRP levels.

Supplementation: Supplementing with curcumin, magnesium, omega-3, and/or vitamin D can all improve hsCRP levels. Additionally, you can try co-supplementing with zinc, vitamin A, and magnesium.

Where can I learn more?

• Michael Lustgarten PhD provides a comprehensive review of CRP in this video
• To learn more about how Physicians use hs-CRP in their practice, read here
• The Mayo Clinic Laboratories Explanation of their hs-CRP Test

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH ANY OF YOUR RESULTS, PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.