A high C-reactive protein (CRP) level in your blood indicates inflammation somewhere in your body. Inflammation can be a sign of infections, inflammatory conditions like arthritis, and some forms of heart disease.
- A high level of hs-CRP in the blood has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks.
- People who have had a heart attack are more likely to have another heart attack if they have a high hs-CRP level. Their risk goes down when their hs-CRP level is in the typical range.
- A high CRP level may be caused by various factors, including infections, injuries, and chronic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis.
- While a CRP test can't pinpoint the exact cause of inflammation, it can help your doctor determine if further investigation is needed.
Your doctor will likely order additional tests to identify the cause of the inflammation and recommend appropriate treatment based on your specific situation.
