Inflammation (hs-CRP)Updated 3 months ago

Why Measure Inflammation (hs-CRP)? Inflammation can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term, low-level). While acute inflammation is a normal immune response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation is harmful and often linked to diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's. 

hs-CRP as a Marker of Chronic Inflammation: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. While traditional CRP tests measure acute inflammation, hs-CRP tests detect low levels of chronic inflammation. Chronically elevated CRP is linked to cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and other chronic conditions.

Health Risks of Elevated hs-CRP: Persistently high CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, even if you’re asymptomatic. For longevity, studies show that the lower your baseline CRP, the lower your risk for many non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The CDC/AHA classifies cardiovascular risk as:

• Low risk: < 1.0 mg/L
• Average risk: 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L
• High risk: > 3.0 mg/L

Causes of Elevated CRP: Chronic inflammation can result from poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, and medical conditions like obesity and autoimmune diseases. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are also linked to higher CRP levels.

Reducing CRP Levels:

• Lifestyle changes: Improving sleep, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can lower CRP.
• Diet: Following an anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean diet, reduces inflammation.
• Supplements: Curcumin, omega-3s, zinc, and vitamin D are known to lower CRP.

Tracking hs-CRP: Regular monitoring of hs-CRP can help detect chronic inflammation early, guiding lifestyle and dietary changes to lower long-term health risks and promote longevity.