What is a high-sensitivity C reactive protein test?
A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test is a blood test that measures lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. It differs from a standard CRP test as it is specifically designed to detect your risk of heart disease and associated conditions like strokes or heart attacks.
Below, we explain more about the hs-CRP blood test and how it can provide useful insights into your risk of heart disease.
What is a hs-CRP blood test?
A hs-CRP blood test is a highly sensitive test that specifically measures low levels of C-reactive protein in the blood. This test is used to determine your risk of heart disease and stroke.
A standard CRP blood test on the other hand measures high levels of protein in the blood and is used to indicate different causes of inflammation in the body, from autoimmune disorder to infections.
What is CRP?
C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. It is normal to have low levels of CRP circulating in your blood, but levels rise in response to inflammation, such as infection, injury or other inflammatory conditions.
How does CRP relate to cardiovascular risk?
Higher levels of CRP protein on a hs-CRP blood test can indicate you may be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
The reason for this is linked to atherosclerosis, the narrowing of your arteries due to a build-up of LDL cholesterol in your blood. Atherosclerosis is associated with inflammation of the blood vessels, so typically, people with atherosclerosis have higher CRP levels.
However, your results should always be reviewed alongside your risk factor for cardiovascular disease to provide more accurate insights. There are three cardiovascular risk groups:
- Low risk – people in this group typically have lower cholesterol levels and few other risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or smoking, and no family history of heart attacks at an early age. So even if they have a higher than expected CRP levels on testing, it is unlikely that any intervention will be recommended.
- Intermediate risk – people in this category may have a family history of heart disease or one or more factors that put them at increased risk, so determining their CRP level using a high-sensitivity reactive protein test can provide useful insights.
- High risk – it is likely that people in this category will already be receiving medical management and lifestyle advice to help reduce their risk of heart disease, so a hs-CRP may not be necessary.
Why might I be advised to have a hs-CRP blood test?
A high-sensitivity reactive protein test may be advised if your healthcare provider believes you are at an increased chance of having a sudden heart problem, like a heart attack or stroke.
What does a high hs-CRP level mean?
A high hs-CRP blood test result does not mean that you have a heart problem but can indicate you may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which can increase your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
As a result, you may be advised to make lifestyle changes, like eating a heart-healthy diet, or to start medication to help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.
CRP levels typically rise with age but should remain generally stable over months or years, so it is not a test that is needed frequently.
It’s also important to avoid getting the test if you are ill or have had a recent injury, as this could cause inflammation in your body which causes your CRP levels to be very elevated in response.
Other factors that can cause higher than normal CRP levels include smoking and being overweight.
What does a high-sensitivity reactive protein test involve?
A hs-CRP test involves a healthcare professional taking a blood sample from your arm with a needle. This usually only takes a few minutes.
The risks associated with blood tests are very low, but some people feel a slight scratch when the needle is inserted.
What treatment options are available for high CRP levels?
If a high-sensitivity reactive protein test indicates you are at higher risk of developing heart disease your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and medical management to help reduce your risk.
Often this will involve:
- Eating a healthier diet low in saturated fats
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Starting a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as a statin
Check your health
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