The C‐Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity, Cardiac) (CRP) is a blood test that measures the amount of protein (called C‐reactive Protein) in your blood that indicates inflammation. It’s also used to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). “High Sensitivity” means that this particular test can see if you have an increased chance of having a heart problem or heart attack.
The best way to utilize test results is to be tested two different times (typically taken two weeks apart). Your healthcare provider will take the average of the two test results to determine your risk for cardiovascular disease or the presence of inflammation.
High levels of CRP are caused by infections and many long‐term diseases. But a CRP test cannot show where the inflammation is located or what is causing it. Other tests are needed to find the cause and location of the inflammation.
TEST DETAILS
Inflammation can pop up in your body in a number of ways. With the C‐Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity, Cardiac) Test, you’ll know if inflammation has damaged the inner lining of your arteries, thus increasing your chances of a heart attack.
This test can also check for infection after surgery, determine any infections or diseases causing inflammation, or see how well your body is reacting to treatment.