What Is hs-CRP?
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, or hs-CRP, is a biomarker associated with low-grade systemic inflammation that helps assess cardiovascular risk.
When chronic inflammation develops within blood vessels or throughout the body — driven by visceral fat, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, smoking, or poor diet — the liver increases production of CRP.
Chronically elevated hs-CRP is associated with higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
Why Does hs-CRP Matter?
An hs-CRP blood test measures the same protein as a standard CRP test, but it can detect much lower concentrations.
An hs-CRP test doesn’t identify the cause of inflammation. Instead, it shows that inflammation is present somewhere in the body. A standard CRP test is generally used to evaluate significant inflammation caused by infection, injury, or inflammatory disease.
- Adds information beyond cholesterol levels. Elevated hs-CRP is associated with cardiovascular events even among some people with normal LDL cholesterol. 1
- Reflects inflammation associated with atherosclerosis. Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to plaque formation and instability, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.2
- Identifies residual inflammatory risk. In people already receiving statin therapy, elevated hs-CRP may indicate that inflammatory cardiovascular risk remains even when LDL cholesterol is well controlled.
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How to Interpret hs-CRP Levels
(Ranges may vary slightly by lab)
Standard reference ranges represent the middle 95% of healthy individuals but don’t necessarily reflect levels associated with longevity. Optimal ranges are derived from clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and real-world outcomes data, with an emphasis on levels associated with peak functioning and reduced disease risk.
Benefits of Optimizing hs-CRP
- Lower risk of heart attack and stroke
- Reduced arterial plaque formation and progression
- Improved blood vessel flexibility and function
- Lower all-cause mortality risk
- Better metabolic health and insulin sensitivity
- Improved response to statins
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Low hs-CRP Levels
Low hs-CRP levels on a blood test generally indicates less systemic inflammation in the body and is associated with lower cardiovascular inflammatory risk. No treatment is needed for low hs-CRP.
High hs-CRP Levels
High hs-CRP levels on a blood test indicate inflammation is present somewhere in the body.
hs-CRP values >10 mg/L usually reflect acute infection, injury, or another inflammatory condition and should generally be repeated after recovery. If hs-CRP elevation persists after these temporary causes have been ruled out, it may indicate increased cardiovascular inflammatory risk.
Symptoms:
- Typically asymptomatic
Causes:
- Visceral obesity and insulin resistance
- Metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes
- Smoking
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Chronic psychological stress
- Diet high in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, or ultra-processed foods
- Physical inactivity
- Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, IBD)
- Chronic infections
- Gum disease
Healthspan Impacts:
- A higher risk of heart attack and stroke
- Cardiometabolic conditions such as insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes
- Accelerated blood vessel aging and progression of atherosclerosis
- A higher risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality
How Hone Treats Out of Range hs-CRP Levels
Your Hone physician evaluates hs-CRP on a blood test alongside ApoB, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c, and other metabolic and cardiovascular markers to build a comprehensive picture of cardiovascular and metabolic health. Treatment focuses on identifying what’s driving the inflammation and reducing both hs-CRP levels and underlying cardiovascular risk.
Ridker, P.M. (2003). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and cardiovascular risk.
↑Mensah, G.A. et al. (2025). Inflammation and cardiovascular disease: 2025 ACC Scientific Statement.
↑Ridker, P.M. et al. (2010). Relation of baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level to cardiovascular outcomes with rosuvastatin in the JUPITER trial.
↑Li, K. et al. (2014). Effect of marine-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α: A meta-analysis.
↑Mahdavi Gorabi, A. et al. (2022). Effects of curcumin on C-reactive protein as a biomarker of systemic inflammation: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
↑Simental-Mendía, L.E. et al. (2017). Effect of magnesium supplementation on plasma C-reactive protein concentrations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
↑Chen, N. et al. (2014). Effect of vitamin D supplementation on the level of circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
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Reviewed for Accuracy by Our Medical Review Board
This biomarker information has been reviewed by a member of Hone’s medical review board. As part of the medical review team, physicians fact-check this content against the latest research and their own experience treating their patients.
Ashley Winter, M.D., is a board-certified urogynecologist trained at Weill Cornell and Cleveland Clinic. She specializes in female and male sexual dysfunction, urinary issues, genital pain, and hormone therapy.
James Staheli, D.O., is the Medical Director for Broad Health, Hone Health’s affiliated medical practice and a family medicine doctor in Atlanta, Georgia.
