What does hs-CRP measure and why does it matter?
hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is a sensitive marker of low-grade systemic inflammation produced by the liver. Elevated hs-CRP independently predicts cardiovascular events, correlates with metabolic and visceral-fat patterns, and is read alongside lipids and ApoB.
Full answer
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a sensitive liver-produced marker of low-grade systemic inflammation. It independently predicts cardiovascular events beyond the information captured by LDL cholesterol alone and correlates with visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, sleep apnea, periodontal disease, autoimmune activity, and recent acute illness. Interpretation always controls for recent infection. In the longevity and cardiometabolic context, hs-CRP is read alongside lipids, ApoB, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and body composition — not in isolation. A persistently elevated hs-CRP in a patient with otherwise reasonable lipids is a meaningful signal and frequently reshapes the pathway recommendation.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- Longevity intelligence — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29