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hs-CRP
Why hs-CRP?
To measure your CRP level, your doctor will need to order the "high-sensitivity" CRP or hs-CRP test from the laboratory. This is a simple blood test designed for greater accuracy in measuring CRP, which allows the physician to use the result in the assessment of cardiovascular risk.
What do the hs-CRP test results mean?
hs-CRP levels are expressed in terms of milligrams per liter (mg/L). Concerning your hs-CRP level and cardiovascular risk, a level of less than 1mg/L indicates lower risk, a level between 1 and 3mg/L indicates moderate risk, and a level higher than 3mg/L indicates a higher risk. As research has shown, this may hold true even if your LDL cholesterol levels are low.
If your hs-CRP level is very high, above 10mg/L, you should have the test repeated after 2-3 weeks, as the high hs-CRP level may reflect an acute infection that you are experiencing at the time. You should therefore have your hs-CRP evaluated only when feeling well. If upon repeat testing your hs-CRP level remains high, then you are most probably in the higher cardiovascular risk group.
In middle-aged Americans, the average hs-CRP level is between 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L. About one quarter of Americans have a hs-CRP level above 3mg/L, placing them in the higher risk group.
Want to learn more about CRP?
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