What is High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (HS-CRP)?

CRP is short for "C-reactive protein " a protein found in the blood. C-Reactive Protein is what we call a marker for inflammation , meaning its presence indicates a heightened state of inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a normal response to many physical states including fever, injury and infection. Inflammation is now believed to play a role in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease .

Is HS-C-reactive protein a real risk factor, like cholesterol or smoking?

In studies involving large numbers of patients, C-Reactive Protein levels seem to be correlated with levels of cardiac risk . In fact, CRP seems to be at least as predictive of cardiac risk as cholesterol levels. Data from the Physicians Health Study , a clinical trial involving 18,000 apparently healthy physicians, found that elevated levels of C-Reactive Protein were associated with a threefold increase in the risk of heart attack.

In the Harvard Women's Health Study , results of the CRP test were more accurate than cholesterol levels in predicting coronary problems. Twelve different markers of inflammation were studied in healthy, postmenopausal women . After three years, CRP was the strongest predictor of risk. Women in the group with the highest C Reactive Protein CRP levels were more than four times as likely to have died from coronary disease, or suffered a nonfatal heart attack or stroke. This group was also more likely to have required a cardiac procedure such as angioplasty or bypass surgery than women in the group with the lowest levels.

Elevated hs-CRP is related to increased risk for heart attack, restenosis of coronary arteries after angioplasty, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

So how can I be tested?

A simple blood test can be done at the same time as a cholesterol screening. The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test, helps determine heart disease risk and is widely available. Patients should ask their doctors about hs-CRP specifically.

It is important to remember that the usefulness of knowing hs- C-Reactive Protein levels in a particular individual is still unknown. For the time being, The American Heart Association recommends hs- C-Reactive Protein as part of routine screening for those who are at intermediate risk for heart disease. HS-CRP results in that risk group can help the physician determine additional testing and treatment. The American Heart Association adds that patients at low risk probably do not need their hs-CRP tested and those at high risk should be treated agressively regardless of their CRP test results. Certain medical centers, including The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, are investigating what the exact role of hs- C-Reactive Protein measurement should be in a physician's daily clinical practice.

What can I do if my HS-CRP level is high?

Inflammation should be treated by lifestyle change, such as losing weight, exercising, controlling diabetes, stopping smoking, controlling high blood pressure, and reducing alcohol intake. Antithrombotic medications such as aspirin or clopidogrel may provide protection. Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs and ACE inhibitors may also reduce CRP. Your doctor will prescribe the correct medications and dosage to treat your condition.

Source of this article:
Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation Program
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Desk C5
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44195