I recently read that a high level of C-reactive protein in the blood is a risk factor for heart attack. Should I ask my doctor for this blood test during my next physical?
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation, which has been known about for decades. Recently, there has been interest in this as a marker of coronary risk, perhaps related to theories of inflammation being involved in coronary atherosclerosis. CRP is probably a marker, not the actual cause, for increased coronary risk. We don’t yet know the full connection. Second, we don’t know which interventions will successfully lower CRP, or whether lowering CRP will lower coronary risk. Even the experts are still divided over which patients to test and how to treat them if their CRP readings are high. Until we know that there are specific interventions which lower CRP (or whatever it represents relative to inflammation) AND lower the risk of cardiac events, routine screening is not warranted. Continued efforts to lower standard risk factors through lifestyle modifications and appropriate medications are our best bet. Prescribing medications to lower CRP at this time is prema
