From the Guidelines
To lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, a combination of lifestyle modifications, including regular physical activity, a healthy diet, weight loss, and smoking cessation, is most effective.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Regular physical activity of at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly can reduce hs-CRP by 25-30%, as exercise decreases inflammatory cytokine production 1.
- Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish, and olive oil, such as a Mediterranean diet, while limiting processed foods and refined carbohydrates can significantly reduce inflammation 1.
- Weight loss of even 5-10% of body weight in overweight individuals can lower hs-CRP levels by reducing inflammatory adipokines.
- Smoking cessation is crucial, as smoking is associated with increased hs-CRP levels 1.
Medications
- Statins are particularly effective medications, with rosuvastatin (10-20mg daily) and atorvastatin (20-40mg daily) showing 35-50% reductions in hs-CRP independent of their cholesterol-lowering effects 1.
- For those who cannot tolerate statins, omega-3 supplements (2-4g daily) can reduce hs-CRP by 10-15%.
Additional Recommendations
- Stress management through meditation or yoga can further reduce inflammatory markers.
- Adequate sleep (7-8 hours nightly) and moderate alcohol consumption (limiting to 1 drink daily for women, 2 for men) also help maintain lower hs-CRP levels by reducing systemic inflammation 1.
- A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, is essential for reducing hs-CRP levels and improving overall health.
From the Research
Methods to Lower High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) Levels
- Statin therapy: Studies have shown that statins can reduce hs-CRP levels in patients with cardiovascular diseases 2, 3, 4.
- Statin combined with ezetimibe therapy: This combination has been found to be significantly associated with decreased hs-CRP levels 4.
- Intensive statin therapy: This approach has also been shown to have an indirect negative effect on hs-CRP levels via LDL-C reduction 4.
- Insulin-sensitizing treatment with pioglitazone: This treatment has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce hs-CRP levels in diabetic and nondiabetic individuals 5.
- Management of lipid levels: Abnormal lipid levels, such as high triglycerides, have been found to be associated with elevated hs-CRP levels 6.
- Micronutrient management: Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D3, and abnormalities in serum copper and manganese levels, have been found to be associated with elevated hs-CRP levels 6.
Key Considerations
- The effect of statins on hs-CRP levels can vary depending on the type and intensity of the statin therapy 3, 4.
- The duration of statin treatment can also impact the reduction of hs-CRP levels, with longer treatment durations resulting in greater reductions 3.
- Combination therapy, such as statin combined with ezetimibe, may be more effective in reducing hs-CRP levels than statin therapy alone 4.