hs-CRP
A sensitive measure of low-grade inflammation, used to assess cardiovascular risk.
| Typical reference range | below 3 mg/L |
| Commonly cited optimal range | below 1 mg/L |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
C-reactive protein is made by the liver in response to inflammatory signals, mainly interleukin-6. The high-sensitivity assay measures low concentrations accurately, revealing chronic, low-grade inflammation.
Why it matters
hs-CRP below 1 mg/L indicates lower, 1-3 mg/L average, and above 3 mg/L higher cardiovascular risk, independent of cholesterol. It also tracks metabolic health, as visceral fat drives inflammation.
What a high result can mean
Mild elevations are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, smoking, poor sleep, sedentary lifestyle, gum disease, autoimmune conditions and hormone therapy. Values above 10 mg/L usually indicate acute infection, injury or active inflammatory disease rather than baseline risk.
What a low result can mean
Low values are favorable and indicate low systemic inflammation.
What affects the result
Avoid testing within two weeks of illness, vaccination, injury or very intense exercise. Repeat a high value to confirm. Weight loss, exercise, quitting smoking and statins lower hs-CRP. Oral estrogen raises it.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in mg/L.
- From mg/dL: multiply by 10 to get mg/L
- From ug/mL: multiply by 1 to get mg/L
- From nmol/L: multiply by 0.105 to get mg/L
Also called on lab reports
HS CRP, C-Reactive Protein, Cardiac, High Sensitivity CRP, hsCRP, CRP, High Sensitivity, C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity, Cardio CRP, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, Cardio CRP(R), C-Reactive Protein (hs), hs CRP, Cardiac
Related tests: Inflammation & Immunity
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.