hs-CRP stands for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. It’s a blood test that measures the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is a protein produced by your liver, and its levels rise when there is inflammation in your body.
CRP is a marker of general inflammation, not a specific disease. A high hs-CRP level indicates that there’s some inflammation somewhere in your body, but it doesn’t tell you where the inflammation is or what’s causing it.
The “high-sensitivity” aspect of the hs-CRP test means it’s designed to detect even small increases in CRP levels. This makes it useful for assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease, even before any noticeable symptoms appear.
Elevated hs-CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. It’s thought that chronic, low-grade inflammation plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), which can lead to these problems.
A key process in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke is inflammation.
The initial inflammation in the artery lining can be triggered by various factors, including chronic stress which can lead to the release of hormones that promote inflammation, some infections can trigger an inflammatory response in the arteries, exposure to toxins from smoking, pollution, or other sources can damage the artery lining and cause inflammation, high blood sugar levels, often associated with diabetes, can damage blood vessels and promote inflammation and high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and genetic factors can also contribute to inflammation.
Cholesterol acts as a kind of “plaster” in this context. When the artery lining is inflamed, cholesterol, particularly LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), starts to accumulate at the site of injury. The body’s immune system sends cells to the area to try and repair the damage. These cells engulf the cholesterol, forming “foam cells.” Over time, these foam cells, along with other substances like calcium and cellular debris, build up to form plaque within the artery wall.
The presence of plaque itself further fuels inflammation in the artery wall. This creates a vicious cycle where inflammation leads to more cholesterol buildup, which in turn causes more inflammation. As the plaque grows, it narrows the artery, restricting blood flow. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or other symptoms. If the plaque becomes unstable, it can rupture, triggering blood clot formation. This clot can completely block the artery, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
So to summarise, inflammation is a key driver in the development of atherosclerosis. It damages the artery lining, causing cholesterol to accumulate and form plaque. This plaque further promotes inflammation, perpetuating the cycle and increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
Knowing your hsCRP is a simple and effective marker that can help to limit the risk of CVD. This marker can be tested as a standalone blood marker or you can check your hsCRP using the Advanced Cardiometabolic Blood Profile test that I run with Regenerus and Dorset Private GP.