C-Reactive Protein (Qualitative)

If you suffer from high cholesterol levels, you have probably been asked by your doctor or healthcare provider to lower your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is often called “bad” cholesterol since it blocks the blood vessels and increases the chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

To understand the contributors of heart attacks, many doctors prescribe the C-reactive protein test.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver. Its level rises due to inflammation in the body. The C-reactive protein test measures the levels of C-reactive protein in the blood. When the body comes in contact with external agents such as bacteria, viruses, or toxic chemicals, the immune system is activated. It sends out cells that begin an inflammatory response.

As a result of the inflammatory response, you may experience symptoms like swelling, pain, redness, or bruising.

However, these are signs that are visible to you. Internally, the inflammation affects many body systems that are not visible to you.

Your body may generally experience a low C-reactive Protein level. Moderate or highly elevated levels may be concerning and indicate an inflammatory condition or serious infection.

Your doctor may recommend you a C-reactive protein test to diagnose the following conditions:

• Serious bacterial infections like sepsis
• Arthritis 
• Certain fungal infections
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis 
• Osteomyelitis or bone infection
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Many healthcare providers or doctors prescribe the C-reactive protein test to monitor patients who have undergone certain surgeries or other procedures. This test is done to check for any infection that may have been caused during a patient’s recovery period.

If the C-reactive protein level in your body is high, it can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes. If a person has previously suffered from a heart attack due to a high C-reactive protein level, they are more likely to suffer from another one.

The C-reactive protein test is helpful for patients with a 10%-20% chance of suffering from a heart attack within the next ten years. It is most useful for people who are at risk of suffering from one immediately.

Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive C-reactive protein test to measure your risk levels. Based on the results, you must immediately seek treatment and take active steps toward protecting your health. 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shoukat Ali Abbas, General physician, Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai

Frequently asked questions

How is the blood sample taken?

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to form a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. After cleaning, the needle is inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

What are the serious symptoms of a bacterial infection?

The serious symA. Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.ptoms of a bacterial infection include fever, chills, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, nausea, and vomiting.

What is the difference between CRP and high-sensitivity-(hs)-CRP test?

Both the tests are used to measure C-reactive protein (CRP) but they diagnose different conditions. CRP test is used to diagnose conditions that can cause inflammation while the hs-CRP test is used to assess the risk of heart disease.

What factors apart from infections or diseases can cause a rise in levels of CRP?

The factors which can cause a rise in levels of CRP include cigarette smoking, obesity, and lack of physical inactivity or exercise.

Which conditions can cause high levels of c-reactive protein (CRP)?

The conditions which can cause high levels of c-reactive protein include the presence of inflammation in the body, bacterial infection, and chronic inflammatory disease.

What do the C-reactive protein test results indicate?

If your C-reactive protein level is high in the test result, you might suffer from inflammation. The C-reactive protein test does not help determine or explain the location or cause of the inflammation. If your results are normal, your doctor or healthcare provider may order other tests to determine the underlying cause of inflammation.

What are the risks of high LDL cholesterol?

High LDL cholesterol levels may cause many problems in your body like peripheral artery disease, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, etc. If your LDL cholesterol levels are high, your doctor may work actively with you on reducing these by a certain percentage. They might also determine your likeliness of suffering from heart disease or a stroke.

How can you lower LDL cholesterol levels?

To lower your LDL cholesterol levels, your doctor will build a plan including medication and/or lifestyle changes. These help lower your chances of heart disease and your cholesterol levels. Your doctor is most likely to make you follow a healthy diet, regular exercise for weight loss, and get rid of harmful addictions like smoking and medication.

What factors can cause a rise in C-reactive protein levels?

Besides common bacterial infections and diseases, there can be a rise in C-reactive protein levels due to certain factors like smoking, lack of physical activity or regular exercise, obesity, etc. It is necessary to keep track of your everyday lifestyle to prevent a rise in your C-reactive protein level.

What is the difference between the CRP test and the high-sensitivity CRP (HS-CRP) test?

Both tests are performed to monitor the body's C-reactive protein (CRP) level. However, the C-reactive protein test is used to identify conditions that are likely to cause inflammation in your body, whereas the HS-CRP test is used to assess and monitor the risk of suffering from heart disease.

Does the test require any special preparation?

Generally, your healthcare provider or doctor may brief you on what you need to do to prepare for a C-reactive protein test. However, in most cases, you do not require any special preparation for it.