8320
0
Posted on Mar 19, 2008, 9 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
Is an inflammatory marker - a protein that the body releases in response to inflammation. Thus, elevated levels of CRP in the blood mean that there is inflammation somewhere in the body. CRP is not normally present in the blood of a healthy patient. CRP levels can increase by as much as 1000-times with inflammation.
Is an inflammatory marker - a protein that the body releases in response to inflammation. Thus, elevated levels of CRP in the blood mean that there is inflammation somewhere in the body. CRP is not normally present in the blood of a healthy patient. CRP levels can increase by as much as 1000-times with inflammation. Conditions that commonly lead to marked changes in CRP include infection, trauma, surgery, burns, inflammatory conditions, and advanced cancer. Moderate changes occur after strenuous exercise, heatstroke, and childbirth. Psychological stress and some psychiatric illnesses can cause small changes in CRP levels. CRP is the only inflammatory marker that has been found to be an indicator of heart health. Therefore, doctors often carry out a CRP test at the same time as cholesterol and other lipid tests to help predict a patient's risk of heart attack.
