A positive C-reactive protein (CRP) test, indicating elevated CRP levels, is associated with various diseases and conditions characterized by inflammation. While a high CRP doesn't pinpoint a specific illness, it signals the presence of inflammation somewhere in the body.
Conditions Associated with Elevated CRP
Several diseases and conditions are linked to elevated CRP levels. These include:
- Chronic inflammation: CRP is a marker of systemic inflammation, making it a useful indicator for various inflammatory conditions.
- Heart disease: High levels of high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events. This is because inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
- Diabetes: Inflammation is a common feature of diabetes, and elevated CRP levels are often observed in individuals with this metabolic disorder.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This autoimmune disease involves chronic inflammation of the joints, leading to elevated CRP levels.
- Certain cancers: Some cancers are associated with chronic inflammation, which can manifest as elevated CRP.
- Infections: Both bacterial and viral infections can trigger an inflammatory response, resulting in increased CRP levels. This is a common use for the CRP test. The symptoms will depend on the underlying infection.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus and mixed connective tissue disease can also show elevated CRP.
Important Note: A positive CRP test doesn't diagnose a specific disease. Further testing is necessary to identify the underlying cause of the inflammation.
Understanding CRP Test Results
A positive CRP test simply indicates the presence of inflammation. The level of CRP elevation can provide some clues about the severity of the inflammation, but it doesn't identify the source. The cause of high CRP can't always be determined, requiring further investigation by a healthcare professional.
