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Blutwerte · Marker

hsCRP

High-Sensitivity CRP · hs-CRP · C-Reaktives Protein hochsensitiv

Entzündungsmarker
Einheit:
mg/L

hsCRP quantifies the concentration of C-reactive protein in the blood, indicating the presence and degree of systemic inflammation.

Reference Ranges

Reference
03mg/L
0
1
3
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · mg/L

Higher levels indicate increased cardiovascular risk. No significant sex-specific differences.

Overview

Übersicht

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a refined measure of C-reactive protein, an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is a sensitive marker for detecting low-grade systemic inflammation. Researchers have found that hsCRP levels can predict cardiovascular risk, comparable to traditional lipid markers like cholesterol. Clinically, hsCRP is used to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction and stroke, especially in individuals without known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Elevated hsCRP levels are associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, hsCRP can be used to monitor systemic inflammation, which may impact recovery and performance. Lower hsCRP levels are generally desirable for longevity, as chronic inflammation is linked to various age-related diseases. However, hsCRP levels can be influenced by factors such as acute infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, and lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity. It is important to consider these confounders when interpreting hsCRP results. Fasting is not required for hsCRP testing, and levels are generally stable over time, making it a reliable marker for chronic inflammation assessment.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated hsCRP levels indicate increased systemic inflammation and are associated with higher cardiovascular risk. Low hsCRP levels suggest a lower risk of inflammatory diseases and cardiovascular events.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising hsCRP values suggest increasing systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Retest in 4 weeks if outside optimal range.

Falling Values

Progressively falling hsCRP values indicate a reduction in systemic inflammation and potentially lower cardiovascular risk.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Chronic inflammatory diseases
  • Acute infections
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Poor diet
Cause

Low Levels

  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Regular physical activity
  • Healthy diet
  • Non-smoking status
  • Low body fat
  • Absence of chronic disease
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular exercise
  • Smoking cessation
  • Stress management
  • Adequate sleep
Lever

Nutrition

  • Anti-inflammatory diet
  • High intake of omega-3 fatty acids
  • Increased fruit and vegetable consumption
  • Reduced intake of processed foods
Lever

Supplementation

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Curcumin
  • Vitamin D
  • Resveratrol

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if on medication.

Testing Guidelines

Fasting Not Required
Not Time-Sensitive

Draw at the same time of day for consistency.

Testing Frequency

Annually for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent infection
  • Chronic inflammatory conditions
  • Smoking
  • Obesity

Related Peptides & Hormones

Interleukin 6

Correlated with

hormone or peptide

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that reference ranges for hsCRP may vary significantly across different populations, and optimal target levels for intervention remain debated. Researchers have not yet established the impact of confounding factors such as obesity and metabolic syndrome on hsCRP levels in diverse cohorts. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the long-term efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapies targeting hsCRP in reducing cardiovascular events and whether hsCRP can effectively guide treatment decisions in primary prevention.

22 Research Publications

1,154

Total Citations

8

Human/RCT

9.8

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

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#01

From C-Reactive Protein to Interleukin-6 to Interleukin-1: Moving Upstream To Identify Novel Targets for Atheroprotection.

ReviewInfluence27.0
782
Researchers found that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels are strong predictors of cardiovascular risk, comparable to traditional cholesterol measures. They observed that targeting upstream inflammatory pathways may offer new therapeutic strategies for reducing cardiovascular events. Additionally, ongoing trials are exploring the impact of anti-inflammatory treatments on hsCRP levels in high-risk patients.
View on PubMed
#02

PCSK9 inhibition and inflammation: A narrative review.

Ruscica Massimiliano, et al. · Atherosclerosis · 2019

ReviewInfluence3.0
111
This narrative review examined the relationship between PCSK9 inhibitors and inflammation, specifically hsCRP levels. Researchers found that while these inhibitors effectively lower LDL cholesterol, they do not significantly affect hsCRP levels, indicating that hsCRP remains a critical marker for assessing residual cardiovascular risk.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers found that high levels of hs-CRP, a marker of inflammation, are linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular events, even in patients with low LDL cholesterol.
  2. 02They observed that PCSK9 inhibitors, which effectively lower LDL cholesterol, do not significantly change hs-CRP levels.
  3. 03The studies indicated that patients with elevated hs-CRP may still face residual risk for cardiovascular disease despite receiving standard cholesterol-lowering therapies.
View on PubMed
#03

Role of High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (Hs-CRP) in Non-communicable Diseases: A Review.

ReviewInfluence5.0
106
Researchers reviewed the significance of hsCRP in non-communicable diseases, emphasizing its role as a predictive biomarker for conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The review discussed various interventions that can lower hsCRP levels, underscoring its clinical relevance in disease management.
View on PubMed
#04

The Use of High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Cardiovascular Disease Detection.

ReviewInfluence4.0
84
This review discussed the use of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in detecting cardiovascular diseases. Researchers highlighted its role as a biomarker of inflammation and its potential utility in diagnosing acute cardiovascular events, emphasizing the need for awareness of its association with cardiovascular risk.
View on PubMed
#05

Cholesterol, lipoproteins, high-sensitivity c-reactive protein, and other risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Review
33
This study examined the role of traditional and emerging risk factors for coronary heart disease, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Researchers found that new biological and genetic risk factors are reshaping the understanding of heart disease and improving risk assessment tools.
View on PubMed
#06

C-reactive protein and cardiovascular risk in the general population.

Human
18
This study examined the relationship between hsCRP levels and cardiovascular risk in a large population without known heart disease. Researchers found that higher hsCRP levels significantly increased the risk of major cardiovascular events and death, suggesting hsCRP's utility as a routine biomarker for assessing cardiovascular risk.
View on PubMed
#07

Genome-wide association study of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and interleukin-6 levels in multiethnic HIV+ cohorts.

Human
9
This study aimed to identify genetic factors associated with hsCRP levels in people living with HIV. Researchers found several genetic loci linked to elevated hsCRP, D-dimer, and interleukin-6 levels. The findings suggest that genetics may contribute to chronic inflammation in this population, highlighting potential targets for intervention.
View on PubMed
#08

Salivary High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Its Clinical Relevance in Modern Medicine: A Comprehensive Review.

Review
5
This comprehensive review highlighted the potential of salivary hsCRP as a non-invasive biomarker for chronic diseases. Researchers discussed the advantages of using saliva for hsCRP measurement and its implications for patient care and personalized medicine.
View on PubMed
#09

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and its role in coronary atherosclerotic disease: a review of current literature.

Lamabadusuriya Dilusha, et al. · Postgraduate medical journal · 2025

Review
2
Researchers reviewed the role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as a biomarker in coronary atherosclerotic disease. The study found that elevated hsCRP levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and that incorporating hsCRP into clinical practice may enhance risk stratification.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers observed that higher hsCRP levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary events.
  2. 02They found that statins and anti-inflammatory medications can significantly reduce hsCRP levels and related cardiovascular events.
  3. 03Current guidelines recommend using hsCRP selectively for assessing heart disease risk in patients with intermediate risk.
View on PubMed
#10

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Statin Initiation.

Review
2
This review explored the role of hsCRP in assessing cardiovascular risk and its influence on the initiation of statin therapy. Researchers highlighted the importance of hsCRP as an additional biomarker for predicting cardiovascular events in patients with varying risk profiles.
View on PubMed

Publication Trend

Research publications about hsCRP over time

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