High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an acute-phase reactant synthesized primarily by hepatocytes in response to interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. The high-sensitivity assay detects CRP concentrations in the range of 0.1–10 mg/L, enabling cardiovascular risk stratification in otherwise healthy individuals. It serves as a sensitive, though nonspecific, marker of systemic low-grade inflammation. CRP is produced by the liver within 4–6 hours of an inflammatory stimulus, with levels rising up to 1,000-fold during acute-phase responses. It functions as a pattern recognition molecule that binds phosphocholine on damaged cells and pathogens, activating the complement cascade and facilitating phagocytosis. In the context of cardiovascular risk, chronically elevated low-grade CRP reflects endothelial dysfunction, adipose tissue inflammation, and atherosclerotic plaque instability.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS-CRP) quantifies low-grade systemic inflammation with greater precision than standard CRP assays. It is an established biomarker for cardiovascular risk stratification and is produced by the liver in response to interleukin-6 signaling during inflammatory states.
Values below 1.0 mg/L indicate low cardiovascular risk; 1.0-3.0 mg/L moderate risk; above 3.0 mg/L high risk (per AHA/CDC guidelines). Acute elevations above 10 mg/L typically reflect active infection, injury, or autoimmune flare rather than chronic cardiovascular inflammation.
Acute exercise transiently elevates CRP for 24-72 hours post-exertion, particularly after eccentric or unfamiliar loading. For this reason, timing of blood draw relative to training is a key variable. Persistently elevated HS-CRP in the absence of acute illness or recent intense training may reflect chronic overreaching, inadequate recovery, or underlying systemic inflammation.
Turnaround Time
3 days (up to 12 days)
Fasting Required
No
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