High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
Quick answer
What is High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)?
hs-CRP is a sensitive measure of low-grade systemic inflammation — the kind that drives cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Distinct from standard CRP, which is used for acute infection.
- Units:
- mg/L
- Reference range:
- <1.0 mg/L (low CV risk); 1-3 average; >3 high
- Sample:
- Venous blood (serum)
- Category
- Inflammation
- Units
- mg/L
- Reference range
- <1.0 mg/L (low CV risk); 1-3 average; >3 high
What does a high High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein result mean?
Obesity, insulin resistance, smoking, periodontal disease, autoimmune, recent illness, sleep deprivation.
What does a low High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein result mean?
Excellent — under 1.0 mg/L is the goal.
Why does High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein matter?
Chronic low-grade inflammation accelerates atherosclerosis, lowers testosterone, and worsens metabolic dysfunction.
FAQs
- Should I retest if hs-CRP is high?
- Yes — repeat in 2-4 weeks to rule out acute illness inflating the number. Sustained elevation warrants lifestyle work and sometimes further investigation.
References
- [1]C-Reactive Protein and Cardiovascular RiskPubMed / NEJM
- [2]Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory ExaminationsNCBI Bookshelf
Want High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein interpreted in the context of your full panel? Every FORM bloodwork tier covers it, with an MD walking you through the result.
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