hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)

Inflammatory

Acute-Phase Markers

mg/L

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to interleukin-6 and other inflammatory signals. The high-sensitivity assay resolves the low concentrations relevant to chronic, low-grade (subclinical) inflammation, making hs-CRP the most widely used blood marker of systemic inflammatory tone and of 'residual inflammatory risk.'

What It Measures

Liver-produced acute-phase protein; best general marker of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk

Optimal vs. Lab Range

Longevity Optimal

<0.5 mg/L (persistently)

Target range for optimal health and longevity based on research.

Standard Lab

AHA cardiovascular risk tiers: low <1.0, average 1.0–3.0, high >3.0 mg/L

Population-based reference range from standard labs.

Why It Matters

Chronic low-grade inflammation ('inflammaging') is a recognized hallmark of biological aging and a driver of atherosclerotic, metabolic and neurodegenerative disease. The 2025 American College of Cardiology Scientific Statement on Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease concludes that hs-CRP is at least as strong a predictor of future cardiovascular events as traditional lipoproteins, and that residual inflammatory risk (commonly hs-CRP ≥2 mg/L in statin-treated patients) independently predicts cardiovascular death. Persistently optimal hs-CRP (<1.0 mg/L) is a favorable signal of low systemic inflammatory burden. Because hs-CRP is non-specific, a single elevated value should be rechecked away from acute illness or injury before interpretation.

When Low

Generally favorable; extremely low may indicate liver dysfunction

When Optimal

Low systemic inflammation, associated with lower cardiovascular and all-cause risk. Retest to confirm stability and exclude transient elevation.

When High

Cardiovascular risk, infection, autoimmune disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cancer risk, accelerated aging

How to Optimize

Address root causes of inflammation: achieve and maintain healthy body composition (visceral fat is a major CRP source), exercise regularly, prioritize sleep, adopt a predominantly whole-food, fiber-rich, omega-3-sufficient dietary pattern, avoid smoking, and manage chronic stress. Treating hidden contributors — periodontal disease, poor glycemic control, untreated sleep apnea — often lowers hs-CRP. In secondary prevention, selected patients with residual inflammatory risk are considered for anti-inflammatory therapy (e.g., low-dose colchicine) under specialist guidance. Such decisions are individualized with your physician; this content is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.

Key Interventions & Linked Compounds

Strong evidence

Key Interventions

Anti-inflammatory diet

omega-3 (2–4g)

exercise

weight loss

curcumin

stress reduction

Linked Compounds & Supplements

Omega-3

Curcumin

NAC

Quercetin

Resveratrol

Boswellia

Curated from clinical literature. Individual results vary; consult a qualified clinician before changing a protocol.

Ordering Notes

Specimen

Serum or plasma (venous draw)

Patient prep

No fasting required. Maintain usual diet and medications unless advised.

Recommended cadence

Quarterly

Reporting unit

mg/L

Pre-analytic notes

Standardize draw time of day, hydration, and recent exercise. Note any acute illness, supplements, or hormonal therapies on the requisition.

Recommended Follow-Up Actions

1
Confirm the result is reliable
Repeat abnormal values before acting — preferably from the same lab, same time of day, and under consistent prep. Rule out acute illness, recent intense exercise, or medication effects that can shift hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein).
2
Compare against optimal, not just lab range
Use the optimal window above as the target. Lab "normal" is built from the general population and often misses early dysfunction.
3
Pair with related markers
Order a complementary panel covering metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal context to interpret this marker properly.
4
Discuss interventions with a clinician
Use the interpretation guidance above to frame the conversation. Bring trends, not just one datapoint, to your visit.
5
Re-test on a defined cadence
If a change is implemented, re-measure in 8–12 weeks for fast-moving markers, or 3–6 months for slower ones, to confirm response before escalating.