High-sensitivity C-reactive protein

The liver makes C-reactive protein (CRP) as part of the body's response to injury or infection. The response causes swelling inside the body, called inflammation.

Inflammation plays a major role in the buildup of plaques in the arteries, called atherosclerosis. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) tests help show the risk of heart disease before there are symptoms. Higher hs-CRP levels are linked to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease.

Many things such as having a cold or going for a long run can cause CRP levels to rise briefly. So the test should be done twice, two weeks apart. An hs-CRP level above 2.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L) shows a higher risk of heart disease.