Quick answer: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a liver protein that rises with inflammation. It detects low-grade, chronic inflammation and is used alongside cholesterol to help assess heart disease risk. Infections, injuries and intense exercise can raise it temporarily, so a high result is often repeated. Diet, movement, sleep and weight all influence it.
What is hs-CRP?
C-reactive protein is made by the liver in response to inflammatory signals. The high-sensitivity test measures low levels that standard CRP tests miss. This marker is part of the Healthspan Assessment panel available to my 1-on-1 patients.
Why hs-CRP matters
- Marker of chronic, low-grade inflammation
- Helps assess heart disease risk
- Tracks the effect of lifestyle changes
Understanding your result
Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex. Your provider interprets your result against the lab’s range and your overall picture, rather than chasing a single number. Functional labs are optional. They can be helpful in more complex cases, and in my practice they are available only to patients working 1-on-1 with me.
What raises hs-CRP
- Recent infection, injury or intense exercise
- Excess abdominal fat and insulin resistance
- Smoking, poor sleep and chronic stress
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions
- Gum disease
What affects hs-CRP
- Recent illness
- Body fat
- Diet
- Sleep and stress
- Hormone therapy
Ways to support healthy levels
- Mediterranean-style eating with vegetables, fish and olive oil (see anti-inflammatory diet)
- Regular movement and strength training
- Seven to nine hours of sleep
- Do not smoke; care for your gums
- Repeat a high result after you are well
hs-CRP and healthy aging
Chronic low-grade inflammation, sometimes called inflammaging, is one of the key drivers of aging (see inflammaging). It damages blood vessels, accelerates cellular senescence and disrupts tissue repair. hs-CRP is a simple window into it.
When to see a naturopathic doctor
- Elevated hs-CRP
- Family history of heart disease
- Insulin resistance or weight gain
- Autoimmune symptoms
See a medical provider promptly for chest pain, shortness of breath or fever with severe illness.
Want help making sense of your labs?
A free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Kneessi. No cost, no obligation. In-office in Odenton, MD or by telehealth.
Frequently asked questions
What does high hs-CRP mean?
It suggests inflammation and, in healthy people, higher heart risk.
Should I retest a high hs-CRP?
Yes, ideally after any illness has passed.
What lowers CRP naturally?
Healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, good sleep and not smoking.
Is hs-CRP the same as CRP?
It measures the same protein, but detects lower levels.
What is a normal hs-CRP level?
The American Heart Association and the CDC describe commonly used reference bands for hs-CRP in cardiovascular assessment. A result under 1.0 mg/L falls in the lower band, a result from 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L falls in the average band, and a result over 3.0 mg/L falls in the higher band. Values above 10 mg/L are typically linked to an acute infection or injury rather than long-term cardiovascular patterns, so they are usually rechecked after that has passed.
What can cause a high hs-CRP?
Research has linked higher hs-CRP to recent illness or injury, excess abdominal fat, poor sleep, smoking, blood sugar problems, gum disease, and inflammatory conditions. A single high value is best confirmed with a repeat test a few weeks later.
Work with a naturopathic doctor near you
Dr. Kneessi sees patients in person in Odenton and by telehealth anywhere in Maryland. Learn more about visits for Annapolis, Odenton, Crofton, and Severna Park, or read about hormone testing and functional medicine in the area.
You can book a free 15-minute consult, or start with the free 28-Day Longevity Reset, a short daily email series on sleep, light, movement, and food.
Sources
- Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration (Kaptoge S, et al.). C-reactive protein concentration and risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and mortality: an individual participant meta-analysis. Lancet 2010. PMID: 20031199. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3162187/
- Irwin MR, Olmstead R, Carroll JE. Sleep disturbance, sleep duration, and inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies and experimental sleep deprivation. Biol Psychiatry 2016. PMID: 26140821. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4666828/
- Machado V, et al. Serum C-reactive protein and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2021. PMID: 34394107. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8355591/
- Koelman L, et al. Effects of dietary patterns on biomarkers of inflammation and immune responses: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Adv Nutr 2022. PMID: 34607347. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8803482/
- MedlinePlus: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
- MedlinePlus: Heart Diseases
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an individual evaluation. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting supplements or changing medications, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a health condition.
