CRP (High Sensitivity) Blood Test

Our hs-CRP test measures your CRP level — it’s sensitive enough to detect even the smallest increases, which indicate low-level inflammation in your body. Even slight increases in CRP have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke.  

You can take our at-home CRP test if you have risk factors for heart disease, or if you have high cholesterol and want to check if there are any other factors which could increase your risk of heart disease. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, you can also use it to monitor your heart health with regular testing. 

Our blood test for inflammation can be used alongside other tests, such as our Cholesterol Blood Test, to give you a fuller picture of your overall risk of heart disease. 

C-reactive protein (CRP) is made by your liver. Its level increases in response to inflammation, as part of your body’s natural defence mechanism to fight injury or infection.

Inflammation can be acute (sudden) and temporary, and this type of inflammation is usually helpful. For example, if you cut yourself, you will usually notice signs of inflammation, such as swelling, pain, and redness.

But sometimes, the immune response can go into action for long periods, causing low-level inflammation that lasts for months, or even years (known as chronic inflammation). This type of inflammation may cause no noticeable signs or symptoms, but it can be harmful.

Because CRP reflects levels of inflammation, generally the lower your level, the better. Typically, if you have a level less than 5 mg/L, acute inflammation, which is sometimes seen with infections or inflammatory conditions, is unlikely.  

In the context of heart disease, the ranges shown in the table below are given as a guide, based on hs-CRP alone. However, other risk factors should also be taken into account, such as family history and lifestyle factors

For low-level chronic inflammation, the best way to lower your CRP level is through healthy lifestyle changes, like following an anti-inflammatory diet, losing weight if you’re overweight, increasing your activity levels, managing stress, reducing your alcohol intake, and stopping smoking.

Where CRP is significantly raised, treatment will depend on the underlying cause. For example, some infections or inflammatory conditions may need treatment with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications.

Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, which focuses on replacing sugary, refined carbohydrates with more whole foods, can help to reduce inflammation in your body.

A diet full of fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains, such as the Mediterranean diet, provides an array of antioxidants. These can help to neutralise the free radicals that contribute to inflammation. In fact, markers of inflammation including hs-CRP have been found to be lower in people following a vegan diet compared to non-vegans.

Chronic stress can contribute to inflammation, so finding ways to manage stress can really pay off over time. Not only can it make you feel healthier, but it can also help reduce your long-term risk of chronic disease.

There are many ways to beat stress, including practising mindfulness and getting a good night’s sleep. Taking up a physical activity you enjoy such as yoga, walking, or dancing can also improve your mental wellbeing by boosting feel-good chemicals in your brain.