What is a C-reactive protein (CRP) test?
Summary The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that measures the level of CRP in the blood. CRP is an inflammatory marker a substance that the body releases in response to inflammation. High levels of CRP in the blood mean that there is inflammation somewhere in the body. Other tests are needed to determine the cause and location of the inflammation. CRP is the only inflammatory marker that has been found to be an indicator of heart health. Therefore, a CRP test is often done along with a blood fat profile to help predict a patients risk of a heart attack. In the years to come, C-reactive protein may also prove to be a potential marker for predicting coronary artery disease and stroke, which are closely associated with inflammation of the blood vessels. CRP is not normally present in the blood of a healthy patient. However, there are some conditions that can cause small amounts of CRP to be found in the blood. These conditions include diabetes, glucose intolerance and high b
