hsCRP (High Sensitivity CRP) Test

HsCRP Blood Test for determining risk of CVD, heart attacks, and strokes and evaluating a person before development of one of these health problems.

• To predict the development of congestive heart disease.
• To identify the risk level for heart disease in otherwise healthy people.
• To help diagnose or monitor inflammation in acute or chronic conditions.
• Assess the possibility of coronary disease.
• Evaluate the probability of a second heart attack

HsCRP Blood Test measures low levels of CRP. Multiple measurements may be required to find out the correct baseline levels of  HsCRP

HsCRP Blood test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

hsCRP is a sensitive predictor of increased cardiovascular risk in both men and women. It is used for assessment of risk of developing Myocardial infarction in patients presenting with Acute coronary syndrome. It also assesses risk of developing Cardiovascular disease or ischemic event in individuals who do not manifest disease at present. It also provides independent risk in the prediction of  incident Diabetes
Patients with acute infection, systemic inflammatory process & trauma should not undergo this test

Your doctor may order a hs-CRP test if you have risk factors and symptoms of infection. Symptoms include:

• Unexplained pain
• Exhaustion
• Muscle soreness and stiffness
• Weakness
• Low-grade fever
• Chills
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Indigestion

In both men and women, high levels of hs-CRP are indicative of coronary risks in healthy individuals as well as in people with cardiac risk factors. But it might also indicate other inflammatory conditions like infection, cancer, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Women on birth control pills or in the second half of pregnancy can have high levels of hs-CRP. Hence, your doctor will interpret the hs-CRP result based on your symptoms and medical history.

hs-CRP levels less than 1.0 mg/L indicate low risk; those with average risk have hs-CRP in the range of 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L. Those at high risk have levels above 3.0 mg/L.

hs-CRP is one of the cardiac risk markers used to predict the risk of chronic heart disease. The test is sensitive in predicting a heart attack even in people whose cholesterol levels are within an acceptable range or who do not currently exhibit any disease-related symptoms. 

hs-CRP

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

Your doctor might order a hs-CRP test if you have risk factors and symptoms of infection or inflammation. These include:

• Patients with symptoms of inflammation like fever, chills, rapid breathing, or vomiting
• Patients with risk factors for heart diseases like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity.