CRP (High Sensitivity) Blood Test

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein made by the liver that is released into the blood after tissue injury, the start of an infection or inflammation. HsCRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) is a marker in the blood which is a known risk factor for heart disease. Sensitive enough to pick up even the lowest level of inflammation, this test can show whether you have damaging inflammation which is possibly affecting your arteries. Inflammation is caused by poor diet (too much sugar and refined carbohydrates), lack of exercise and stress.

This test should not be undertaken if you have any accute inflammation or disease as the results will be abnormally high. However, if you are in good health with no obvious inflammatory symptoms, then this test is a useful indicator of your personal risk of heart disease, especially if used in conjunction with other tests e.g. cholesterol.