High Sensitive CRP Test

What is hsCRP?

A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test measures low levels of CRP and may be used to evaluate an individual risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. CRP levels increase in the blood with inflammation, infection as well as after a heart attack, surgery, or trauma.

Relatively high levels of hs-CRP in healthy individuals are predictive of an increased risk of a future heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.

High-sensitivity CRP along lipid profile can be a useful test for screening the risk of CVD and heart attacks. The hs-CRP test results indicate a person’s risk according to the level of the protein, low risk when levels are <1 mg/L, the moderate risk is between 1-3 mg/L and high risk is >3 mg/L.

Why is hsCRP done?

• To evaluate a person's risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
  

What does hsCRP Measure?

High-sensitivity CRP (Hs-CRP) test measures lower levels of CRP in the blood to predict the risk of Cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Hs-CRP can implicate low level of inflammation. A persistent low level of inflammation can result in a build-up of cholesterol and other lipids and can cause atherosclerosis and narrowing of blood vessels, which is often associated with Cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The hs-CRP test accurately measures low levels of C-reactive protein to identify low but persistent levels of inflammation and thus helps predict a person's risk of developing CVD. High-sensitivity CRP along with lipid profile can be a useful test for screening the risk of CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. Studies have suggested that this test is best suited for people who have a moderate risk of heart attack over the next 10 years.

Therefore, Hs-CRP is generally advised along with other tests such as lipid profile and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) to provide added information about the risk of heart disease.