Inflammation (CRP) Test

C-reactive protein (CRP) is primarily produced by your liver, and levels increase when there’s inflammation in the body. Your liver will release CRP into your bloodstream shortly after inflammation – such as the onset of an infection or injury to tissue. You may also produce CRP in the long term if you are at risk of heart disease, stroke or certain other chronic conditions. It is important to remember that CRP is not a diagnostic test.

A raised or high CRP level is often the first sign of infection or inflammation – elevated C-reactive protein levels can even precede other symptoms like pain or fever. Inflammation is often caused by your body detecting a foreign ‘attacker’ – such as an infection or irritant. Once it’s identified, your immune system releases chemicals to try and dispel the attacker and keep your body safe.

If your blood sample indicates an elevated C-reactive protein level, it may point to an increased risk of inflammatory conditions. CRP tests use milligrams per litre (mg/L) as a measure. What is considered ‘high’ varies from person to person and also depends on the exact laboratory test used. Optimal levels are usually anything less than 2 mg/L.

If your blood test returns a high C-reactive protein level, we will recommend visiting your GP for further testing. Your doctor may be able to help diagnose the direct cause of your inflammation and prescribe treatments to help or carry out further testing.

High CRP levels tend to occur with severe infections, such as sepsis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, or endocarditis. Other risk factors that can cause mild or moderately raised CRP levels, include:

• Viral illness (like COVID-19)
• Pregnancy
• Depression
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Cancer
• Bronchitis
• Inflammatory conditions or autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Smoking

A healthcare provider may prescribe medication but there are dietary and lifestyle changes that can help lower CRP levels:

• Treat the underlying condition
• Weight loss
• Exercise
• Mental outlook and mindfulness
• Diet
• Try and stop smoking
• Certain supplements

If your blood test shows inflammation, this means that you are experiencing either acute or chronic inflammation somewhere in your body.

There are two types of inflammation:

Acute inflammation – your body responds to sudden damage like a cut, an infection, or muscle injury, and sends inflammatory cells to begin the healing process.

 Chronic inflammation – your body sends inflammatory cells when there is no trigger (bacteria or injury). This is the case for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis where inflammatory cells can attack joint tissue and cause damage and pain.

In addition to high blood pressure and high total cholesterol – individuals who have high CRP levels are suggested to be at high risk of stroke/heart disease. This is because inflammation can swell cholesterol-crammed artery walls, weakening the lining of those arteries, which may then break down or burst. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, you can also try our at-home Cholesterol Test.