By C Reactive Protein (CRP) is produced by the liver when inflammation occurs in the body. However, the high level of C Reactive protein can be a matter of concern for everyone. This could be the indication of an infection, cancer, and heart artery inflammation. It is important to take a C Reactive protein test once you start seeing symptoms of high CRP. Before heading for the CRP test let’s understand what the meaning of high c reactive protein level is.
What is high-level c reactive protein, and how is it caused?
Balanced C Reactive protein is imperative for good health. A low or high level of the C reactive protein indicates some underlying issue. When it comes to high c reactive protein level, it can be caused due to:
- Pregnancy
- Autoimmune Arthritis
- Lupus
- Cancer
- Number of Infections
With the high-level C Reactive protein level, there is a high risk of heart diseases. There are high chances of heart attack or stroke. The high level of CRP also indicates Type 2 Diabetes in a person. In case, the physicians suspect a high CRP level they direct the patient to take the CRP test along with some other tests. These tests provide concrete results about the prevailing situation.
What is the C Reactive protein test?
CRP test is the test that is conducted to check the level of the C Reactive protein in the blood of an individual. This test is prescribed by doctors when they suspect inflammation in the liver. It is also recommended by doctors when a patient has already faced some inflammation issues in the past. This is usually done to check the working of the treatment.
There are two types of C Reactive protein tests:
- Standard CRP test
- High Sensitivity CRP test (hs-CRP)
The high sensitivity test is very different from the standard test. It can predict the chances of heart attack or stroke. While the standard test unfolds the different diseases that can be caused due to inflammation of the liver. The hs-CRP test is recommended by doctors when they want to focus on the cardiovascular issues of an individual.
How is this CRP Test conducted?
The CRP test is a blood test, the blood is sent to a lab for culture. You don’t need to follow any specific mandate for this test. The test will be conducted through a small needle.
When you go to a healthcare institution, a healthcare professional will clean the skin over the vein. An antiseptic will be used for the same. After which, an elastic band will be wrapped around your arm, and the blood sample will be drawn through a small needle.
Once the blood sample is taken out, the healthcare professional will either use a bandage or cotton to hold gauze at that place. The process of the blood sample ends at this point.
Risk Associated with CRP test
There is nothing new or unique to this test. It is similar to a regular blood test. Therefore, there is no such risk associated with this test. There can be only two issues with the patient after the blood sample:
- When the needle gets inserted into the vein of the patient, a patient may feel slight pain.
- There can be a slight bruising feel at the place where the needle was inserted.
There are no other issues that a patient may feel. In case you are not comfortable with needles or blood, talk to the healthcare professional before the blood sample. He/she will assure you of making the procedure comfortable.
What are the results of the CRP Test?
This test is measured either in mg/dL or mg/L. The results of this can indicate the following situations:
- Reading less than 1 mg/L indicates that the patient is at low risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Reading ranging between 1 mg/L- 2.9 mg/L indicates an intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Reading above 3 mg/L indicates that the patient is at huge risk of forming a cardiovascular disease.
- Reading above 10 mg/L requires extra testing to determine further inflammation causes in the body.
What to do in case of a high CRP level?
Some studies have stated that consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, or a balanced diet can help the patient to lower the CRP level. However, in case the levels are too high, then the doctor may prescribe statin or other medication to reduce cholesterol.
It is also suggested that Vitamin C can also lower the CRP level. Even probiotics can reduce this level. However, the doctors will recommend the best alternative for the individual patient.
Conclusion
C Reactive Protein level is essential to monitor. It is so because the high level of this protein can cause severe heart diseases. C reactive protein test is the best test that can show the present situation in the body. Therefore, consult your doctor immediately in case you suspect anything.
