What Does CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Mean?
CRP is a marker of inflammation. Mildly elevated CRP is associated with increased cardiovascular risk; very high CRP often signals active infection or autoimmune flare.
What CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Measures
CRP is made by the liver and rises within hours of inflammation. There are two versions: high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) for cardiovascular risk assessment, and standard CRP for tracking active infection or inflammatory disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, IBD).
Normal Ranges
Low cardiovascular risk< 1.0 mg/L (hs-CRP)
Average risk1.0–3.0 mg/L (hs-CRP)
High risk> 3.0 mg/L (hs-CRP)
Acute infection or inflammation> 10 mg/L
Reference ranges may vary slightly by lab. Always use the range provided on your specific test report.
What Affects Your CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Level
- Active infection (bacterial much more than viral)
- Autoimmune disease flare (RA, lupus, IBD)
- Obesity and visceral fat (chronic low-grade inflammation)
- Smoking
- Poor sleep and chronic stress
- Periodontal disease
- Recent injury or surgery