What does it mean when your CRP is high?
CRP, or C-reactive protein, is a marker of inflammation in the body. When CRP levels are elevated, it usually indicates that there is inflammation present. Inflammation is a natural and necessary response of the immune system to injury or infection. However, persistently high levels of CRP can be a sign of chronic inflammation, which may be associated with various health conditions.
Here are some common reasons for elevated CRP:
- Infections: CRP levels can rise in response to infections, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal.
- Inflammatory Disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease can lead to chronic inflammation and elevated CRP.
- Tissue Injury or Trauma: Any form of tissue damage, including surgery or injury, can cause an increase in CRP.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues can result in elevated CRP.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Elevated CRP has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. It can be a marker of inflammation in blood vessels.
- Chronic Diseases: Some chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity may contribute to ongoing low-grade inflammation.
It’s important to note that a single high CRP result doesn’t provide a specific diagnosis. Additional tests and a thorough medical evaluation are usually needed to determine the underlying cause of the elevated CRP and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
If your healthcare provider has advised you to take a CRP test, you can book an appointment with Health2home for a convenient blood sample collection from the comfort of your home. Diagnostic blood test at home is a safe bet for you as the trained healthcare specialists who visit you are equipped with proper gear and follow the norms put forth by the health authorities making sure that there is no sort of contamination. This service also helps you save time by providing the test results digitally, so there is no need to physically go and collect the reports.