C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver. It's a marker of inflammation in your body. While some CRP is normal, high levels can indicate a serious health condition, such as an infection, autoimmune disease, or heart disease.
Here's a breakdown of CRP levels:
- Normal: Less than 0.3 mg/dL
- Minor elevation: 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL
- High: Above 1.0 mg/dL
The good:
- Can help diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions: CRP tests can help doctors diagnose infections, autoimmune diseases, and other inflammatory conditions.
- Can identify those at increased risk for heart disease: High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) tests can help identify individuals at risk for heart disease.
The bad:
- High levels can indicate a serious health condition: High CRP levels may indicate a severe infection, autoimmune disease, or other inflammatory condition requiring medical attention.
- Can be affected by various factors: CRP levels can be affected by factors such as infection, exercise, smoking, and certain medications, making it important to interpret results in context.
Therefore, CRP is not inherently good or bad, but rather a valuable indicator that can provide insights into your overall health.
