What Causes High CRP (C-reactive Protein) Levels? Blood Test

A C-reactive protein is a protein developed by your liver in your blood. If you experience inflammation, your liver allows CRP to enter your blood vessels. It results in higher CRP levels in the blood. Higher CRP levels can give signals of the presence of inflammation. Different conditions can develop it, occurring from infection to cancer.

A C-reactive protein (CRP) test helps determine the amount of C-reactive protein. A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test is relatively more sensitive than a CRP test. The high sensitivity test can measure little increase of C-reactive protein than a standard test that can indicate the chance of heart problems such as stroke.

Why do you need a CRP test?

If a provider thinks you may carry inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, cancer, infection, and others, you may need a CRP test.

A healthcare provider may recommend a C-reactive protein test to:

• See for the presence of infection
• Detect a chronic inflammatory disease, including rheumatoid arthritis
• Look for the risk of heart disease
• Observe the risk of heart attack
• Check how effective the treatment is if you have recently been diagnosed inflammatory disorder

You may also need to take a CRP test if you experience the symptoms of high CRP levels. The symptoms of elevated CRP levels may vary depending on the medical condition that leads to developing them.

Often people having infections or injuries or conditions, that develop long-term inflammation may feel like symptoms, including

• Headache
• Pain
• Unexpected tiredness
• Low level of fever
• Nausea
• Reduction in hunger
• Indigestion
• Soreness, weakness, and stiffness in the muscle
• Sleep disorders
• Weight loss without any efforts

Generally, you will have an acute infection if you are experiencing high CRP levels. Following are the possible symptoms of acute infection, including

• Increased heart rate
• Breath problems
• Lightheadedness
• Occurrence of high fever
• Sweating or chills that become unmanageable
• Vomiting or diarrhea with persistency
• An extreme headache, stiffness, or body pain
• Appearance of rash
• Dry lips, mouth, and skin
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating

If you have these symptoms of acute infection or high CRP levels, you should talk with a healthcare provider online.

The American Heart Association in 2019 describes that by noticing all risk factors, individuals with CRP levels higher or equal to 2 milligrams per liter (mg/L) may require severe steps to protect against cardiovascular disease.

High CRP levels can help identify people that require closer medical attention or treatment after a heart attack.

CRP levels may provide support in finding people who are at risk of heart disease when the individual cholesterol levels do not give benefits.

The American Heart Association in 2019 describes that by noticing all risk factors, individuals with CRP levels higher or equal to 2 milligrams per liter (mg/L) may require severe steps to protect against cardiovascular disease.

High CRP levels can help identify people that require closer medical attention or treatment after a heart attack.

CRP levels may provide support in finding people who are at risk of heart disease when the individual cholesterol levels do not give benefits.

After scheduling a CRP test, you need to visit the laboratory. A healthcare provider will guide you about collecting the blood sample.

Following are the steps of the procedure of a CRP test, including

• You will need to wear off the part of your cloth from one of your arms asked by your provider.
• A small needle attached to a test tube will be inserted into a vein in your arm
• A small amount of blood will be poured into a test tube.
• Your blood sample will be kept at the laboratory for a detailed examination of CRP levels.
• After the test, you may resume your daily activities.
• The whole procedure generally takes at least five minutes.

How do I get ready for the C-reactive protein test?

A CRP test does not involve a large amount of preparation. On the safe side, you can inform your provider if you use any medications or supplements. Your provider may ask you to stop taking medicines as these may influence your test result. If you need more than one blood test, you may require fasting (avoiding drinking and eating) for several hours.

Risk factors for the C-reactive test

A c-reactive protein is a simple blood test that does not have a high risk. You may feel some pain or sensation during needle injection for blood collection. Other low risks of the test include bleeding, mild infection, and bruising at the puncture site. However, these risks disappear quickly in a short interval.

The test results may slightly differ among laboratories due to the use of distinct methods. No fully set standard is built for CRP blood levels. It shows that a little increase in CRP levels does not lead to any problems.

Following are the general recommendations for small, moderate, and elevated CRP levels, including

Small elevation – It occurs between 0.3 mg/dL and 1.0 mg/dL. A little increase in CRP levels may occur in those who are inactive, pregnant, or have chronic diseases like diabetes. Acute infections, including the cold, may also boost the CRP elevation.

Intermediate elevation – It occurs between 1.0 mg/dL and 10.0 mg/dL, which can indicate a severe medical problem. The moderate increase may occur due to acute inflammation, starting from an infection or long-term inflammation developing from a particular disease, including rheumatoid arthritis or heart problems.

Extreme elevation – It lies higher than 50.0 mg/dL. It indicates the signals of acute bacterial infection.

The hs-CRP test often shows the risk of developing cardiovascular disease with a slight increase in CRP levels. The ranges that

• Lies below 2 mg/dL lead to a low risk
• Lies above 2 mg/dL lead to a high risk