HsCRP Test: What Do You Need to Know?

When there is inflammation in the body, the liver releases a certain protein called C-reactive protein. Inflammation can be caused due to various conditions, such as infection, auto-immune diseases or cancer. Doctors use the level of this protein to detect inflammation through a blood test.

 

When the level of C-reactive protein increases slightly, like in the case of coronary heart disease, the standard C-reactive protein test cannot detect it. These small increments require a specific test called the high-sensitivity C reactive protein (HsCRP) test for detection.

 

The HsCRP test is one of the main diagnostic tools used to predict the risk of coronary artery disease. This disease results in the narrowing of the arteries of the heart, elevating the risk of stroke.

 

Understanding the HsCRP test can help one better discuss their risk of heart disease with their doctor or healthcare provider and implement necessary changes suggested for disease and infection prevention. Read on to learn more about the HsCRP test, why it is done, how to interpret test results, and more.

What is the HsCRP test?

A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test (HsCRP) is a diagnostic test that can detect small increments in C-reactive protein which cannot be detected through a standard C-reactive protein test. These small increments in C-reactive protein can denote a risk of coronary artery disease and subsequent heart attack or stroke.

Why is The HsCRP test Done?

A high HsCRP level can indicate a risk of heart attack. A high HsCRP level can also denote an increased risk of a second heart attack. A typical HsCRP level can indicate a reduced risk of a second heart attack in people who’ve had a heart attack.

The HsCRP test cannot predict heart problems in everyone. This is because the HsCRP test is non-specific, i.e., it does not show the cause of inflammation. Hence, a high HsCRP level does not always mean coronary artery disease.

The HsCRP test is considered most useful for one with an intermediate risk of heart attack. Doctors define intermediate risk as a ten to twenty percent chance of having a heart attack in the next ten years.

Through a combination of personal history, lifestyle factors and overall health tests, doctors can determine one’s risk of heart disease and heart attack. According to the CDC, the following factors raise the risk of heart problems:

1. Diabetes
2. High blood pressure
3. A diet rich in processed carbohydrates
4. Smoking
5. Low level of physical activity
6. Heavy alcohol consumption
7. Being overweight or obese
8. Family history of heart disease

How to Prepare for the HsCRP test?

While the HsCRP test requires no special preparation, certain factors can affect C-reactive protein levels. Hence, the doctor can advise you to avoid these activities before the test. These factors include:

1. Intense exercise like heavy-weight training or long-distance running
2. Certain medication

If the blood sample is used for other tests, such as cholesterol level, the doctor can advise fasting overnight before the test.

How to Interpret the HsCRP test Results?

Doctors typically interpret HsCRP test results as follows:

1. Lower heart disease risk: Less than two mg/L
2. Higher heart disease risk: Equal or greater than two mg/L

Since a person’s C-reactive protein levels can vary over time, an average of two HsCRP test readings can be more accurate. A HsCRP level over two mg/L also denotes an increased risk of a repeat heart attack.

However, a high HsCRP level does not mean a higher risk of heart attack. To determine coronary artery risk, the doctor usually considers several factors, such as family history, lifestyle choices, and other overall health metrics.

The HsCRP test is an essential test for heart disease prevention in someone at an intermediate risk of a heart attack. Depending on the HsCRP test results, the doctor can recommend necessary lifestyle changes or medication to reduce heart attack risk. Upon perceiving a higher risk of heart disease based on risk factors given here, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor and book an HsCRP test at Dr Lal PathLabs for timely prevention.

FAQs

 

1. What are the high HsCRP symptoms?

Symptoms of high C-reactive protein depend upon the underlying cause of inflammation. Some common symptoms include:

1. Exhaustion
2. Muscle soreness, weakness and stiffness
3. Fever (low grade)
4. Chills
5. Headache
6. Nausea and loss of appetite
7. Difficulty sleeping
8. Unexplained weight loss

 

2. What is the difference between the standard C-reactive protein and the HsCRP tests?

The standard C-reactive protein test cannot detect small increments in C-reactive protein levels, while the HsCRP test can.

The standard C-reactive protein test is performed to determine the cause of inflammation, such as:

1. Bacterial or viral infections
2. Inflammatory bowel disease
3. Diseases of the intestines like Crohn’s disease
4. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
5. Lung diseases such as Asthma

The HsCRP test mainly predicts the risk of coronary artery disease.