hs-CRP (high-sensitivity CRP)
A more sensitive version of the CRP inflammation test, able to detect the very low levels of inflammation linked to cardiovascular risk. Used with cholesterol and other risk factors, a persistently higher hs-CRP suggests a somewhat higher long-term risk of heart disease.
What it measures
hs-CRP measures exactly the same protein as the standard CRP test — C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation — but with a more sensitive method that can quantify the very low levels found in apparently healthy people. This matters because a low, chronic level of inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis (furring of the arteries), so hs-CRP is used as an additional marker of cardiovascular risk, alongside cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking and diabetes. Broadly, a level under 1 mg/L suggests lower risk, 1–3 average, and over 3 higher risk. Crucially, this cardiovascular use only applies to low values in a stable, well person: a markedly high hs-CRP simply means there is significant inflammation or infection somewhere and says nothing about heart risk, so it should be rechecked when well. It is not a screening test for everyone; its main value is to help refine risk in people at intermediate cardiovascular risk, where it might tip a decision about preventive treatment.
What a high value can mean
- A modestly raised level (in a well person) — a marker of low-grade inflammation associated with higher long-term cardiovascular risk.
- A markedly high level — significant infection or inflammation somewhere; this does NOT indicate cardiovascular risk and should be rechecked when well.
- Obesity, smoking, and other inflammatory conditions — raise it.
What a low value can mean
- Low cardiovascular inflammation — under 1 mg/L suggests lower associated risk.
- A generally favourable marker — in the cardiovascular context.
When to discuss with a doctor
hs-CRP is not for everyone; its niche is helping refine cardiovascular risk in someone at intermediate risk, where the result might influence a decision about preventive measures such as statin treatment, alongside the more established factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, family history). For the cardiovascular reading to be valid, it must be measured when the person is well and free of infection, and ideally confirmed on a second sample, because any acute illness will raise it and make it meaningless for risk. A markedly high result should prompt a look for infection or inflammation rather than a heart-risk interpretation. Mediora.AI shows hs-CRP alongside the lipid markers so it is read as part of overall cardiovascular risk; the risk assessment and any treatment decision belong with your doctor.