Why am I having this test?

The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test is done to help determine (classify) your risk for heart and blood vessel diseases, including heart attack and stroke. This test is often done for men who are age 50 and older and women who are age 60 and older because after these ages, the risk for heart disease increases.

The hs-CRP test may be done at the same time as another test called a lipid profile test, which can also help predict the likelihood of developing heart disease.

What is being tested?

The test measures the level of CRP in your blood. CRP is a substance that the liver releases in response to inflammation. Long-term inflammation can lead to heart and blood vessel diseases.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

Tell a healthcare provider about:

• All medicines you are taking, including contraceptive pills, vitamins, herbal medicines, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

• Any medical conditions you have.

• Any recent history of:

  • Infection.

  • Illness.

  • Injury.

  • Surgery.

• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as a value that indicates how much CRP is in your blood. This will be reported as milligrams of CRP per litre (mg/L) of blood.

Your healthcare provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference values). Reference values may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, a common CRP reference value is less than 3 mg/L. Your results will be classified into low, average, or high risk for heart and blood vessel disease.

What do the results mean?

• A level of less than 1 mg/L may mean that you have a low risk for heart and blood vessel disease.

• A level between 1 and 3 mg/L may mean that you have an average risk for heart and blood vessel disease.

• A level of greater than 3 mg/L may mean that you have a high risk for heart and blood vessel disease.

Talk with your healthcare provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your healthcare provider

Summary

• The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test is done to help determine (classify) your risk for heart and blood vessel diseases, including heart attack and stroke.

• The test measures the level of CRP in your blood. CRP is a substance that the liver releases in response to inflammation.

• Talk with your healthcare provider about what your results mean.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.