My hs-CRP is high — what should I do?
Recheck after 2 weeks to exclude transient infection. Persistent elevation prompts a search for sources: adiposity, periodontal disease, autoimmunity, sleep apnea. Lifestyle change drives most of the gain; pharmacologic anti-inflammatory therapy is provider-directed.
Full answer
hs-CRP is a sensitive but nonspecific systemic inflammation marker. A single elevated reading is repeated after at least 2 weeks because acute infection and recent injury transiently raise it. Persistent elevation prompts review of common drivers: visceral adiposity, periodontal disease, undiagnosed autoimmunity, obstructive sleep apnea, smoking, and uncontrolled metabolic disease. Lifestyle change — weight optimization, sleep, dental care, training — drives most of the durable reduction. Statins lower hs-CRP independent of LDL. Targeted anti-inflammatory therapy is provider-directed when an inflammatory disease is identified.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- Methodology — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-06-03