What is CRP – A Comprehensive Guide

Like many of our body’s complex systems, the C-reactive protein (CRP) can be a bit confusing to understand. To help out, here is a comprehensive guide that covers what CRP is and its role in your health.

What is CRP?

CRP is a type of protein in the blood. CRP is made in your liver, and its levels increase as part of an inflammatory response to infection or tissue damage.

When inflammation or infection occurs, your body will rapidly increase the production of certain proteins called acute-phase proteins, including CRP.

As part of the immune system, CRP helps fight infection and helps repair damaged tissue. It’s important to note that the acute-phase response can be a normal response to injury or infection – the resulting increase in CRP and other proteins is not a sign of disease in and of itself.

What Are Normal CRP Levels?

The normal range for CRP levels vary from person to person and depend on the specific test used. Generally speaking, a normal CRP level is considered to be less than 10 mg/L. Elevated CRP levels may provide further insight into an infection or underlying health condition.

What is CRP Used For?

CRP levels are commonly used to aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as inflammatory disorders and infection. In other words, an elevated CRP level could indicate that inflammation or infection is present in the body.

CRP levels are also used in combination with other laboratory tests, such as complete blood counts, to assess heart disease risk. If a patient is found to have high levels of CRP in combination with other risk markers, their likelihood of having a heart attack is considered to be higher.

CRP is also used to monitor the progress of treatment in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. If a treatment plan is working, CRP levels should decrease.

Conclusion

CRP is an acute phase protein produced by the liver that increases during inflammation or tissue damage. It helps fight infection, repair tissue, and is used as a diagnostic tool for a variety of conditions. CRP levels are also used to assess a patient’s risk of developing heart disease and to monitor the progress of treatment. While elevated CRP levels can indicate inflammation, it’s important to remember that the test alone is not a diagnosis—it is just one part of a nuanced and individualized picture.