The Connection Between C-Reactive Protein, Inflammation and Heart Disease

Posted on July 15, 2018 by TriVita

Why You Should Ask Your Doctor for a CRP Test

By Lester Adler, M.D., M.D.H.

For all the ways our bodies are harmed — whether by viruses, bacteria, or trauma — the immune system has one universal defense: inflammation. Even a simple hard pinch triggers swelling, redness, heat, and pain. Specialized cells rush to the site to engulf invaders, while others clear away damaged tissue so that repair can begin. It’s an amazing system — yet when this immune response goes into overdrive, it can lead to disease.

Take heart disease, for example. What was once blamed solely on dietary fat is now also understood to involve inflammation. Atherosclerosis begins with cholesterol streaks along arterial walls. Immune cells try to remove the deposits, but attract even more cholesterol, building plaque. Over time, it may block the artery or break loose, causing a heart attack or stroke.

Heart Disease Risk

C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of hundreds of molecules involved in immune response. Produced mainly by the liver — and also by fat cells — CRP rises sharply within 48 hours of injury or infection, then usually subsides. But when inflammation becomes chronic, CRP remains elevated.

For example, those with gum disease experience ongoing inflammation, higher CRP levels, and increased heart disease risk. A century ago, heart disease was rare. Today, it's largely lifestyle-driven. Lowering CRP may be key to preventing immune malfunction.

Essential CRP Testing

Knowledge is power — especially in healthcare. Many chronic diseases stem from lifestyle choices, and having accurate clinical data can drive meaningful change.

Modern diagnostics track hundreds of biological markers. Standard panels check cholesterol, glucose, and core metrics — yet CRP, a critical inflammation indicator, is often skipped.

CRP is a validated marker of inflammation. Designed for acute immune response, it helps defend and repair. But when inflammation persists, it can damage arterial membranes. Elevated CRP correlates with a threefold increase in heart attack risk.

And heart disease isn’t the only concern. Elevated CRP and chronic inflammation are linked to cancer, dementia, stroke, depression, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and nephritis.

Inflammation can silently “burn” tissue on a microscopic level long before symptoms appear — sometimes only becoming obvious after a heart attack or disabling event.

The good news: inflammation and CRP levels can be reduced. Nutrition, movement, stress management, and proper supplementation assist recovery.

If you want to track inflammation, ask your doctor to include a CRP test in your next panel. If insurance won’t cover it, out-of-pocket cost is usually $10–$20.

Ask for an hs-CRP (high-sensitivity) test. Optimal range:

• Men: under 0.55 mg/L
• Women: under 1.5 mg/L

Around 2.4 mg/L = double coronary risk vs. under 1 mg/L. Readings above 11 mg/L = acute inflammation.

Bottom line: A CRP test is a smart investment in long-term health.

This article is intended for educational purposes only.