High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
Also known as: hs-CRP
hs-CRP is the most accessible biomarker of systemic low-grade inflammation. It is a downstream signal — not a cause — and travels with cardiometabolic risk, autoimmune activity, and acute infection.
What High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein measures
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a hepatic acute-phase protein measured at low concentrations. It reflects systemic low-grade inflammation rather than acute infection.
Clinical significance
hs-CRP is one of the most reliable systemic inflammation signals available in a routine blood draw. It carries independent cardiovascular risk information and tracks closely with insulin resistance and visceral adiposity. It is non-specific — any acute illness or recent injury can elevate it — so persistent elevation is more informative than a single value.
How oMeds reviews it
Inside the oMeds Metabolic Reset and Hormone Optimization pathways, hs-CRP is one of the four cardiometabolic markers tracked alongside ApoB, A1C, and fasting insulin. We require two draws ≥4 weeks apart to confirm chronic elevation before adjusting an optimization pathway.
Standard clinical reference intervals
Lab-reported reference ranges from established standards bodies. These are diagnostic thresholds — they do not represent optimization targets.
Source: AHA/CDC Scientific Statement — Markers of Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease
Low risk <1.0; intermediate 1.0–3.0; high >3.0 mg/L.
oMeds optimization targets
Editorial bands that inform provider-reviewed conversations. These are wellness targets, not diagnostic thresholds.
Lowest tertile (<1.0 mg/L) is consistently associated with the lowest long-arc cardiometabolic risk in primary-prevention cohorts.
oMeds optimization ranges are editorial targets that inform conversations with a licensed provider. They are NOT diagnostic thresholds and do not replace lab reference ranges.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein — frequently asked
Is high hs-CRP always bad?
Not always. Any acute illness, vaccination, or recent injury can transiently elevate hs-CRP. Persistent elevation across two draws ≥4 weeks apart is the signal worth acting on.
What lowers hs-CRP?
Sleep, resistance training, omega-3 intake, visceral-fat loss, and treatment of underlying insulin resistance all reduce hs-CRP. Pharmacologic options are pathway-dependent and provider-reviewed.
Source literature
- AHA/CDC Markers of Inflammation Scientific Statement · American Heart Association
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