CRP
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to interleukin-6 (IL-6) from inflamed tissues. CRP activates complement and promotes phagocytosis. The "high-sensitivity" assay detects low-grade chronic inflammation that standard CRP assays miss.
Why it matters: C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation, and higher levels are associated with greater cardiovascular risk — even when cholesterol is normal. Chronic low-grade inflammation is commonly tracked for cardiovascular context, while a markedly high CRP more often accompanies acute infection or an autoimmune flare than chronic cardiovascular inflammation. CRP is a PhenoAge biomarker.
May increase with:
May decrease with:
What is CRP?
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to interleukin-6 (IL-6) from inflamed tissues. CRP activates complement and promotes phagocytosis. The "high-sensitivity" assay detects low-grade chronic inflammation that standard CRP assays miss.
What might a high or low CRP mean?
C-reactive protein is a marker of inflammation, and higher levels are associated with greater cardiovascular risk — even when cholesterol is normal. Chronic low-grade inflammation is commonly tracked for cardiovascular context, while a markedly high CRP more often accompanies acute infection or an autoimmune flare than chronic cardiovascular inflammation. CRP is a PhenoAge biomarker.
What is the typical reference range for CRP?
The general-population reference range shown here is < 5 mg/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.
What can affect CRP?
It may be higher with: Acute infection (bacterial > viral), Chronic inflammation (autoimmune, atherosclerosis), Obesity (adipose tissue produces IL-6), Smoking, Sleep deprivation, Metabolic syndrome, Gum disease (periodontitis), Sedentary lifestyle. It may be lower with: Regular exercise (one of the strongest reducers), Weight loss, Mediterranean diet, Omega-3 fatty acids, Statin therapy (anti-inflammatory independent of cholesterol), Adequate sleep (7-9 hours), Smoking cessation, Treating underlying infection or autoimmune disease.