From the Guidelines
A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level of 11 mg/L is considered very elevated and indicates significant inflammation in the body, requiring medical attention and further evaluation to determine the underlying cause. According to the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association 1, an hsCRP level of 10 mg/L or higher should prompt a search for an obvious source of infection or inflammation, and the level should be remeasured in 2 weeks if an underlying cause is found.
Key Points to Consider:
- Normal hsCRP levels are typically below 3 mg/L, with levels between 3-10 mg/L suggesting moderate inflammation and levels above 10 mg/L indicating severe inflammation 1.
- Potential causes of an elevated hsCRP level include infections, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, tissue injury, or chronic inflammatory conditions.
- The hsCRP test measures the presence of C-reactive protein produced by the liver in response to inflammatory signals, making it a valuable marker for detecting inflammation throughout the body 1.
- Chronic inflammation is associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions, emphasizing the importance of addressing elevated hsCRP levels.
Recommended Next Steps:
- Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of the elevated hsCRP level.
- Additional tests may be recommended to identify the specific cause of inflammation, such as blood tests, imaging studies, or physical examinations.
- Treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle modifications like improved diet and exercise, or specific treatments targeting the underlying condition.
From the Research
hsCRP Levels and Cardiovascular Risk
- An hsCRP level of 11 mg/L is considered to be an unspecific elevation, indicating a high level of inflammation in the body 2.
- This level of hsCRP is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease 3, 4, 5.
- The American Heart Association recommends that patients at intermediate or high risk of coronary heart disease may benefit from measurement of hsCRP with regard to their individual risk prediction 2.
Association with Cardiovascular Events
- Elevated hsCRP levels, including a level of 11 mg/L, have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including death, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke 6.
- The risk of these events increases linearly with increasing hsCRP levels, until a plateau is reached at around 5 mg/L 6.
Clinical Importance
- hsCRP is a valuable marker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk, and can be used to identify individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events 3, 4, 5.
- The measurement of hsCRP can provide additional prognostic value at all levels of cholesterol, Framingham coronary risk score, severity of the metabolic syndrome, and blood pressure 5.