High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) uses a more sensitive method to detect small elevations in C-reactive protein that standard CRP cannot pick up. Chronic low-grade inflammation — reflected by hs-CRP in the 1–3 mg/L range — is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. hs-CRP is used alongside cholesterol and blood pressure to refine cardiovascular risk.
Reference Ranges
Male
0 – 1
mg/L
Female
0 – 1
mg/L
Child
Consult pediatrician
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Always compare with the range printed on your lab report.
What Low Levels Mean
hs-CRP below 1 mg/L indicates low cardiovascular risk from inflammation. This is the desirable range. A very low hs-CRP does not rule out all cardiovascular risk — cholesterol and blood pressure still matter — but it is a reassuring finding.
What High Levels Mean
hs-CRP between 1–3 mg/L is intermediate cardiovascular risk; above 3 mg/L is high risk. hs-CRP above 10 mg/L usually reflects an acute illness rather than chronic risk — repeat the test in 2–3 weeks once any infection or injury has resolved before interpreting it for cardiovascular risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get an hs-CRP test?
hs-CRP is most useful for people at intermediate cardiovascular risk (10-year risk of 10–20% by standard calculators). For people clearly low-risk or clearly high-risk, hs-CRP rarely changes management. It is also sometimes used to guide decisions about statin therapy in borderline cases.
Can I lower my hs-CRP?
Yes. Regular aerobic exercise, a Mediterranean-style diet, weight loss, stopping smoking, and statin therapy all reduce hs-CRP. Even modest lifestyle changes can halve hs-CRP over 3–6 months. Treating gum disease and chronic infections also helps.
Why was my hs-CRP much higher than expected?
Any recent infection, injury, surgery, or inflammatory flare can push hs-CRP above 10 mg/L and invalidate its use as a cardiovascular marker. The test should be repeated after 2–3 weeks once any acute cause has resolved. Obesity and chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis also keep hs-CRP chronically elevated.
Related Inflammation tests
See all →C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Blood marker that rises with inflammation or infection.
mg/LInflammationESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
Non-specific marker of inflammation — how fast red cells settle.
mm/hrInflammationProcalcitonin (PCT)
Blood marker that rises specifically in bacterial infection and sepsis.
ng/mLThis information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for interpretation of your test results.
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