The role of high sensitivity C-reactive protein in cardiovascular disease risk assessment

Researchers reviewed earlier studies on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, or hsCRP, a blood marker of inflammation. They examined whether higher hsCRP levels were linked with a greater chance of heart attacks and other cardiovascular disease, meaning illness of the heart and blood vessels. The review suggests that hsCRP can add some risk information beyond standard measures such as blood pressure and cholesterol. However, hsCRP can rise temporarily because of infections, injuries, or other health problems, and it does not prove that inflammation caused the disease.

What this means for you: This test may help a clinician refine heart disease risk when the usual information is unclear. It is not a reason to buy supplements or treatments on its own, and the review does not show that lowering hsCRP directly prevents heart attacks.