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C-reactive protein

Studies are consistent and impressive and regarding the new hs-C-reactive protein test; the level of this sensitive protein in the bloodstream correlates with the level of inflammation, which is the best predictor of heart attack we know of - more important than your cholesterol level, blood pressure or your family history.

Inflammation plays a key role in diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's diseaese, some forms of cancer and many other conditions including Insulin Resistance. The level of C-reactive protein is measured by a blood test and is fairly stable over days to weeks. Be sure and ask specifically for the high sensitivity CRP, which detects even the lowest levels of inflammation. The ideal range for CRP is less than 0.7 mg/dl.

But what raises the C-reactive protein level? Here are the things we know about so far:

• Infections - Any active or recent infection, if it is a signficant one, will raise the CRP level. This includes unusual infections such as H. pylori, the bacterial infection that causes stomach ulcers, or Lyme disease, or even more common infections: sinus infections, bronchitis, bladder, prostate and even dental or periodontal infections. This may explain the association between dental health and cardiovascular health.
• Inflammatory conditions - Severe arthritis, colitis, lupus and other inflammatory conditions, if active, will raise the CRP level. These conditions should be treated with a goal of reducing inflammation.
• Insulin Resistance - Inflammation is one of the results of the insulin resistance syndrome.
• Overweight and Obesity - just being overweight is a common trigger of inflammation in the body, and being overweight can raise the CRP level.
• Medications - particularly hormone supplements, such as estrogens found in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the birth control pill. Both are known to raise the CRP level, which may explain the increased risk of both heart attack and stroke in women taking hormone supplements.
• Chronic severe allergies may also be a cause of systemic inflammation.

If you can identify the source of inflammation then it is easier to address the problem directly. It may also be prudent for people with high CRP levels to take a preventive dose of aspirin - 81 to 162 mg per day as long as there were no contraindications to taking aspirin (such as bleeding tendencies, stomach problems, recent or planned surgery, senstivity to aspirin or others.) Read more about how changes in your diet can affect the level of inflammation here.