hs-CRP
High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a more sensitive variant of the CRP assay, measuring the very low concentrations associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Unlike the standard CRP assay (used for active infection or autoimmune flares), hs-CRP quantifies the background inflammatory burden that predicts cardiovascular events. hs-CRP is the CRP input used in the PhenoAge biological-age calculation.
Why it matters: Chronic low-grade inflammation is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events, even when cholesterol and other lipid markers look normal. hs-CRP is the standard assay for quantifying that background inflammation.
May increase with:
May decrease with:
What is hs-CRP?
High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a more sensitive variant of the CRP assay, measuring the very low concentrations associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Unlike the standard CRP assay (used for active infection or autoimmune flares), hs-CRP quantifies the background inflammatory burden that predicts cardiovascular events. hs-CRP is the CRP input used in the PhenoAge biological-age calculation.
What might a high or low hs-CRP mean?
Chronic low-grade inflammation is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events, even when cholesterol and other lipid markers look normal. hs-CRP is the standard assay for quantifying that background inflammation.
What is the typical reference range for hs-CRP?
The general-population reference range shown here is < 1 mg/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.
What can affect hs-CRP?
It may be higher with: Chronic low-grade inflammation (atherosclerosis, autoimmune), Obesity (adipose tissue produces IL-6), Smoking, Sleep deprivation, Metabolic syndrome, Gum disease (periodontitis), Sedentary lifestyle, Acute infection (can transiently elevate even the hs assay). It may be lower with: Regular exercise (one of the strongest reducers), Weight loss, Mediterranean diet, Omega-3 fatty acids, Adequate sleep (7-9 hours), Smoking cessation, Statin therapy (anti-inflammatory independent of cholesterol), Treating underlying infection or autoimmune disease.