What is C-Reactive Protein (CRP)?
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a molecule produced in response to inflammation, which occurs when the body is exposed to a major trauma or infection. CRP is therefore a marker of inflammation. CRP is not only produced within the liver, but also appears to be produced in both visceral fat and within coronary vessels. It has recently been discovered that CRP also plays a role in heart disease. The amount of CRP produced by the body varies from person to person, and this is affected by an individual’s genetic makeup (accounting for almost half of the variation in CRP levels between different people) and lifestyle. Higher CRP levels tend to be found in individuals who smoke, have high blood pressure, are overweight and don’t exercise, whereas lean, athletic individuals tend to have lower CRP levels. Research shows that too much inflammation can sometimes have adverse effects on the blood vessels which transport oxygen and nutrients throughout our bodies. Atherosclerosis, which involves the fo
