hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)
Marker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk
19 of 22 providers
Inflammation &Immune Markers
exercise
What is hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)?
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an acute-phase inflammatory protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation anywhere in the body. Unlike standard CRP tests used to detect acute infections or severe inflammation, hs-CRP measures very low levels of chronic, low-grade inflammation that is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, and accelerated aging.
CRP is part of the innate immune system and rises rapidly (within hours) in response to tissue injury, infection, or inflammatory stimuli. The high-sensitivity assay can detect CRP levels as low as 0.1 mg/L, making it useful for cardiovascular risk stratification in apparently healthy individuals. Elevated hs-CRP indicates systemic inflammation, which contributes to atherosclerotic plaque formation, instability, and rupture.
Beyond cardiovascular disease, chronic low-grade inflammation (reflected by elevated hs-CRP) is implicated in type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, and cancer. Reducing hs-CRP through lifestyle interventions and medications is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes, making it both a risk marker and a potential therapeutic target.
Why hs-CRP Is A Critical Inflammatory Marker
- Predicts cardiovascular events independently of cholesterol levels—even people with "normal"LDL can have elevated hs-CRP indicating residual inflammatory risk
- Identifies "residual inflammatory risk"after statin therapy—many heart attacks occur in patients with well-controlled LDL but persistent inflammation
- Reflects systemic inflammation from visceral fat, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, chronic infections, and autoimmune conditions
- Responds to lifestyle interventions (weight loss, exercise, Mediterranean diet) within weeks, providing actionable feedback
- Guides statin therapy decisions in intermediate-risk patients—the JUPITER trial showed statins benefit people with elevated hs-CRP even with normal LDL
- Tracks effectiveness of anti-inflammatory interventions and metabolic health improvements over time
Optimal vs Standard Ranges
Low Risk<1.0 mg/L▼
- Indicates minimal systemic inflammation and lowest cardiovascular risk
- This is the target range for optimal metabolic health
- Achieved through healthy body composition, regular exercise, anti-inflammatory diet, adequate sleep, and stress management
- Some individuals maintain hs-CRP <0.5 mg/L with excellent lifestyle habits
Moderate Risk1.0-3.0 mg/L▼
- Indicates mild chronic inflammation and intermediate cardiovascular risk
- Common in overweight individuals, those with sedentary lifestyles, or early metabolic dysfunction
- Warrants lifestyle optimization and monitoring
- If persistent despite lifestyle changes, consider screening for occult infections, autoimmune conditions, or periodontal disease
Very Low<0.3 mg/L▼
- Very low hs-CRP is not concerning and indicates excellent control of systemic inflammation
- Some elite athletes and individuals with exceptional metabolic health achieve these levels
- No intervention needed
High Risk>3.0 mg/L▼
- Indicates significant chronic inflammation and elevated cardiovascular risk (2-3x higher than low-risk individuals)
- Requires comprehensive evaluation for underlying causes:obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, periodontal disease, chronic infections, autoimmune conditions
- If >10 mg/L, suggests acute inflammation (infection, injury) rather than chronic low-grade inflammation—retest in 2-3 weeks after acute cause resolves
Scientific Evidence
hs-CRP and Cardiovascular Risk
Large prospective studies demonstrate that hs-CRP independently predicts cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Risk stratification:<1 mg/L=low risk, 1-3 mg/L=intermediate risk, >3 mg/L=high risk. This relationship holds even after adjusting for traditional risk factors including LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking status.
Source:Ridker PM et al. C-reactive protein and cardiovascular risk. N Engl J Med. 2005 (PubMed)
JUPITER Trial:Statins for Elevated hs-CRP
The landmark JUPITER trial randomized 17,802 apparently healthy individuals with LDL <130 mg/dL but hs-CRP ≥2 mg/L to rosuvastatin or placebo. Statin therapy reduced hs-CRP by 37% and cardiovascular events by 44%. This established that elevated hs-CRP identifies residual inflammatory risk even in people with "normal"cholesterol, and that reducing inflammation provides cardiovascular benefit.
Source:Ridker PM et al. JUPITER Trial. N Engl J Med. 2008 (PubMed)
Lifestyle Interventions Lower hs-CRP
Meta-analyses confirm that weight loss, exercise, and Mediterranean diet each independently reduce hs-CRP. Weight loss of 5-10% reduces hs-CRP by 25-40%. Regular aerobic exercise reduces hs-CRP by 20-30% independent of weight loss. Mediterranean diet reduces hs-CRP by 20-40% compared to Western diet. Combined lifestyle interventions can reduce hs-CRP by 40-60%.
Source:Fedewa MV et al. Exercise and CRP. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2017 (PubMed)
CANTOS Trial:Targeting Inflammation
The CANTOS trial tested whether directly reducing inflammation (using canakinumab, an IL-1β inhibitor) reduces cardiovascular events. Canakinumab reduced hs-CRP by 35-40% and cardiovascular events by 15% without affecting cholesterol levels. This proved the "inflammation hypothesis"of atherosclerosis—that inflammation itself, not just cholesterol, drives cardiovascular disease.
Source:Ridker PM et al. CANTOS Trial. N Engl J Med. 2017 (PubMed)
Which Providers Test hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)?
Full Provider Comparison
| Provider | Includes | Annual Cost | Biomarkers |
|---|---|---|---|
 Superpower | ✓ | $199 | 100+ (150 with ratios) |
 WHOOP Advanced Labs | — | $349 | 65 |
 Labcorp OnDemand | ✓ | $398 | 30+ |
| ✓ | $486 | 40+ | |
| ✓ | $444 | 288 | |
| ✓ | $349 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $761 | 54 | |
 Function Health | ✓ | $365 | 160+ |
| — | $250 | 65 | |
| ✓ | $495 | 70+ | |
| ✓ | $895 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $1950 | 150+ | |
| ✓ | $375 | 80+ | |
| — | $Varies | 75+ | |
| ✓ | $190 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $99 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $124 | 60 | |
| ✓ | $199 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $499 | 120+ | |
| ✓ | $4188 | 70-80+ | |
| ✓ | $375 | 85 | |
| ✓ | $700 | 128 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)?
Marker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk
What is the optimal range for hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)?
The standard reference range for hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) is exercise. Optimal ranges may differ based on individual health goals and expert recommendations.
Which blood test providers include hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)?
19 out of 22 blood testing providers include hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.
What category does hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) fall under?
hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) is categorized under Inflammation &Immune Markers. This category includes biomarkers that help assess related aspects of health and wellness.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed:2026-02-20