Immune and inflammation

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)

hs-CRP, cardiac CRP

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Measuring the low-grade inflammation linked with heart risk.

hsCRP is a sensitive test for C-reactive protein, a protein your liver makes when there's inflammation in your body. It can pick up low levels of inflammation that are linked with cardiovascular risk.

Inflammation adds to the cholesterol story.

Plaque buildup in the arteries is driven partly by cholesterol-carrying particles and partly by inflammation. Canadian cardiovascular guidelines list an elevated hsCRP as one factor that can favour cholesterol-lowering treatment in some people at intermediate risk. A 2025 American College of Cardiology scientific statement went further and called for broad hsCRP screening, alongside LDL cholesterol, in people with and without known heart disease.

hsCRP can't tell you where inflammation is coming from. Excess body fat, smoking, and long-term health conditions can all raise it.

Cholesterol tests look at the particles. hsCRP adds the inflammation side.

Questions

Can being sick affect my hsCRP?

Yes. A recent infection, injury, or flare of an inflammatory condition can raise hsCRP for a while. If your result is high and you've recently been unwell, a clinician may suggest repeating the test once you've recovered.

Does a low hsCRP mean my heart is healthy?

A low hsCRP is reassuring, and it's still only one input. Your cardiovascular risk also depends on your cholesterol and ApoB results, blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking, family history, and other factors.

Can medications affect hsCRP?

Yes. Oral estrogen, including birth control pills and some menopause hormone therapy, can raise hsCRP, and statins can lower it. Pregnancy raises it too. Share your medications and health history with the clinician reviewing your result.

Sources and references