HEALTH TEST: C-reactive Protein (CRP)

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CRP)

FROM THE ARTICLE 'Decoding Your Health Test Results'
By Alice Lesch Kelly, Special to Lifescript
Published April 11, 2011
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Your liver produces this protein, and levels rise when arteries are inflamed or swollen. It’s a sign of cardiovascular disease.

A test called the hs-CRP (highly sensitive C-Reactive Protein) measures how much CRP is in your blood. People with high levels have twice the risk of heart attacks than those with low levels, according to the American Heart Association.

What’s optimal: An hs-CRP level of less than 1.0 mg/L (milligrams per liter) indicates low risk; 1.0  to 3.0 mg/L means average risk.

What’s not: An hs-CRP level more than 3.0 mg/L indicates a high risk.

CRP levels too high? Get doctor-recommended tips for a healthy heart.

MY THOUGHTS

I've never heard of this.  I'm not sure if I've never taken the test or the doctor never discussed it with me. I'm taking that as a good sign.