What does it mean if your C reactive protein is high?

What does it mean if your C reactive protein is high?

A high level of CRP in the blood is a marker of inflammation. It can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, from infection to cancer. High CRP levels can also indicate that there’s inflammation in the arteries of the heart, which can mean a higher risk of heart attack.

Should I be concerned if my C reactive protein is high?

Significantly high CRP levels of more than 350 milligrams per liter (mg/L) are nearly always a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. The most common cause is a severe infection, but a poorly controlled autoimmune disease or severe tissue damage can also lead to high CRP levels.

What is considered a very high CRP level?

CRP levels greater than 3 mg per liter are considered high risk for cardiovascular disease. CRP levels greater than 10 mg per liter may suggest an acute coronary process, such as heart attack (acute myocardial infarction).

What is C reactive protein indicates?

The C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the amount of CRP in your blood. CRP is a type of protein that is associated with inflammation in the body. CRP is measured using a small blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. Your doctor might order a CRP test if you have symptoms of inflammation.

Where is C reactive protein found in the body?

C-reactive protein ( CRP) is an annular (ring-shaped) pentameric protein found in blood plasma, whose circulating concentrations rise in response to inflammation. It is an acute-phase protein of hepatic origin that increases following interleukin-6 secretion by macrophages and T cells.

Is there a link between C reactive protein and cancer?

Some organs of the body show greater risk of cancer when they are chronically inflamed. While there is an association between increased levels of C-reactive protein and risk of developing cancer, there is no association between genetic polymorphisms influencing circulating levels of CRP and cancer risk.

What’s the plasma half life of C reactive protein?

However, some healthy adults show elevated CRP at 10 mg/L. When there is a stimulus, the CRP level can rise 10,000-fold from less than 50 μg/l to more than 500 mg/L. Such levels can rise to 5 mg/L by 6 hours and peaks at 48 hours. The plasma half-life of CRP is 19 hours.

What does C reactive protein stand for in sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea. C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, is also increased in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).