What does a High hsCRP Level Mean, and When Might it be Cause for Concern?

Published on April 17, 2023

What does your hsCRP test result mean, what is considered a high result, and what steps can be taken to bring it down along with lowering inflammation?

Key Points

High levels of CRP are often seen in acute inflammation and have been correlated with high cardiovascular disease risk, while smaller elevations are often indicative of chronic inflammation and chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes
An increase in CRP levels can indicate a hidden disease that has not yet been diagnosed; in fact, some research suggests that the level of CRP can predict heart disease even ten years before diagnosis
A normal hs-CRP level is below 3.0 mg/L. A level between 3.1-10 mg/L is considered elevated, usually seen in chronic inflammation such as that involved with cardiovascular disease risk. An hs-CRP level above 10 mg/ L is very high, more likely indicating an acute inflammatory event due to infection or trauma.
Lowering CRP levels in the long term can be addressed with specific lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise, losing weight, and quitting smoking; doing so can also help decrease the risk of many chronic diseases associated with chronic inflammation and higher CRP levels

Inflammation, as a major cause of many chronic diseases, can go unnoticed and be very damaging long term. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to a broad range of causes, such as infection from hepatitis to cancer, and is a general marker of inflammation. An increase in CRP levels can indicate a hidden disease that has not yet been diagnosed; in fact, some research suggests that the level of CRP can predict heart disease even ten years before diagnosis.

High levels are often seen in acute inflammation and have been correlated with high cardiovascular disease risk, while smaller elevations are often indicative of chronic inflammation and chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

The CRP blood spot test offered by GrassrootsHealth uses a high sensitivity assay, hs-CRP where “hs” means high sensitivity, to detect small elevations in CRP.

When is an hsCRP Level Considered High?

A normal hs-CRP level is below 3.0 mg/L. A level between 3.1-10 mg/L is considered elevated, usually seen in chronic inflammation such as that involved with cardiovascular disease risk. An hs-CRP level above 10 mg/ L is very high, more likely indicating an acute inflammatory event due to infection or trauma.

What does a High hsCRP Level Mean, and What Might be Cause for Concern?

An hsCRP level at the very high range (above 10 mg/L) is most often seen after acute injury, infection, or surgery (including dental work). Known as an ‘acute-phase’ marker of inflammation, CRP is produced in response to inflammation and tissue damage, and levels can increase drastically within hours following the infection or injury.

High levels can also be seen during a flare-up of a known chronic condition (e.g. sickle cell disease, thalassemia, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or rheumatology/autoimmune disease), or can be associated with smoking, overweight/obesity, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, diabetes, and renal dysfunction.

An hsCRP level that is consistently in the elevated range (between 3.1-10 mg/L) may be due to an underlying chronic disease, and re-testing is highly recommended. If your hsCRP result is consistently high without a known cause or reason, it is recommended that you discuss your results with your health care provider, who may recommend additional testing.

How Can You Lower Your hsCRP Level?

In some cases, such as following an injury or recovering from an illness or infection, a high hsCRP level will decrease on its own over time. Lowering CRP levels in the long term can be addressed with specific lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise, losing weight, and quitting smoking. Doing so can also help decrease the risk of many chronic diseases associated with chronic inflammation and higher CRP levels.

The blogs below offer more specific information and research on reducing hsCRP levels and inflammation.

CRP, an Indicator of Current and Future Health, is Greatly Influenced by Several Nutrients

Studies have associated CRP levels with the intake and status of specific nutrients, including vitamin D, omega-3s, and magnesium. This post reviews several such studies and also discusses specific disease associated with high CRP levels and chronic inflammation.

Reducing Inflammation through Diet

Several different nutrients and compounds, such as polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant vitamins, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, while others, such as some saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, and sugars, have pro-inflammatory effects. This post reviews specific foods and diets that have been associated with lowering inflammation and CRP levels.

DHA Supplementation Decreases C-Reactive Protein and other Markers of Inflammation

DHA supplementation may improve heart health in several ways including a significant anti-inflammatory effect. This post summarizes a study on the effects of supplementation with an omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on inflammation in men who were at high risk of developing heart disease. Of note, the reduction in CRP concentrations found in this study is comparable to the 15-25% reduction in CRP caused by statins (the frontline pharmaceuticals used to prevent heart attacks and stroke) without any of the adverse effects.

Vitamin D Shown to Improve Markers of Liver and Cardiovascular Health

This post reviews a study that evaluated whether improving vitamin D serum levels had a beneficial effect on liver function, as well as markers of inflammation (including CRP), kidney function, and cardiovascular health. The study found a 41% decrease in CRP levels among women who were treated with vitamin D for two months.

Other blogs of interest include:

Association between Vitamin D and Inflammation in 24 Diseases

Inflammation Reduced with Vitamin D and Omega-3

Inflammation reduced with magnesium, zinc, calcium, and vitamin D co-supplementation

Probiotics may help Improve C-Reactive Protein Levels in Alzheimer’s Patients

Learn more about research and topics related to CRP here.

Other Important Measurements to Include with Your hsCRP Test

What else can you test with your home blood spot kit?

Vitamin D
Magnesium PLUS Elements
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
hsCRP
HbA1c
TSH
Type 1 Diabetes Autoantibodies

Did you know that each of the above can be measured at home using a simple blood spot test? As part of our ongoing research project, you can order your home blood spot test kit to get your levels, followed by education and steps to take to help you reach your optimal target levels. Start by enrolling and ordering your kit to measure each of the above important markers, and make sure you are getting enough of each to support better mood and wellbeing!

Create your custom home test kit today. Take steps to improve the status of each of these measurements to benefit your overall health. With measurement you can then determine how much is needed and steps to achieve your goals. You can also track your own intakes, symptoms and results to see what works best for YOU.

Enroll in D*action and Test Your Levels Today!

How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?

Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!

STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health

STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study

STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there

STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)

Enroll in D*action and Build Your Custom Test Kit!