High-sensitivity C-reactive protein

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein your liver makes as part of your body's response to injury or infection, which causes swelling inside the body (inflammation).

Inflammation plays a major role in the process of atherosclerosis. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) tests help determine your risk of heart disease before you have symptoms. Higher hs-CRP levels are associated with a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Because CRP levels can be temporarily increased by many situations such as a cold or going for a long run, the test should be done twice, two weeks apart. An hs-CRP level above 2.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L) indicates a higher risk of heart disease.

Combining your hs-CRP test and other blood test results with your heart disease risk factors gives your doctor a picture of your overall heart health. Your doctor will determine if you may benefit from having your hs-CRP measured to better estimate your risk of heart attacks or stroke.

Cholesterol-lowering statin medications may reduce CRP levels and decrease your heart disease risk.