hs-CRP inflammation test

What this test is

hs-CRP is a sensitive blood test for inflammation. It is sometimes checked along with heart disease risk factors, like blood pressure and cholesterol. For most adults, this test does not change your care. Health guidelines do not recommend it as routine screening. It only slightly improves how well we predict your risk. There is one case where it helps. If your heart risk score falls in an uncertain middle range, a high hs-CRP result can help decide if you should start a cholesterol medicine. hs-CRP can also rise from infections or other causes not related to your heart. So one high result, on its own, is hard to read.