hs-CRP — Systemic Inflammation
hs-CRP measures small rises in C-reactive protein, a non-specific inflammation marker. The AHA classes below 1.0 mg/L as low cardiovascular risk.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measures small rises in CRP, a protein the liver makes when there is inflammation, and higher levels are linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease. Because infection, injury or chronic disease can all raise it, a raised reading is repeated before it is read as a pattern.
Watch the 33-second version
hs-CRP is the number that tells you whether inflammation is running in the background.
Transcript & sources → All videosMr. Age is AgeGen's editorial character. Facts come from the protocol above.
The biomarker
- Name: hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein)
- Units: mg/L
- Risk categories (AHA, per MedlinePlus): lower than 1.0 low risk; 1.0–3.0 average risk; higher than 3.0 high risk of cardiovascular disease. Ranges vary by lab.
- Target: below 1.0 mg/L is the AHA low-risk category.
How to read your result
| Result (mg/L) | AHA category |
|---|---|
| < 1.0 | Low risk |
| 1.0–3.0 | Average risk |
| > 3.0 | High risk |
| Any raised result | A cold or a long run can raise CRP briefly — the test is done twice, about two weeks apart |
What to do with the result
- Repeat. Test twice, about two weeks apart, because a cold or a long run can raise CRP briefly.
- Timing. Be tested when you are well rather than during an infection.
- Clinician. Discuss a raised result with your clinician.
Why this test is worth asking for
- The hs-CRP assay is used to estimate heart-disease risk, with published AHA risk categories.
- Because CRP is non-specific, a repeat test about two weeks apart separates a brief rise from a steady level.
Related protocols
- Fibrinogen — Clotting Protein
- Omega-3 Index — EPA + DHA Blood Test
- Lp(a) — Genetic Cardiovascular Risk
Sources
- MedlinePlus — C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
- MedlinePlus — C-reactive protein
- Harvard Health — C-reactive protein test to screen for heart disease
AgeGen lab guides are educational only. We do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe brands, or recommend specific doses. Talk to a licensed clinician before changing your supplement or medication routine.
