Definition - What does High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein mean?
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a substance produced in the liver that responds to a wide number of health conditions, causing inflammation to ensue. Physicians may administer a blood test to measure the concentration levels of hs-CRP in the blood to determine if patients are potential candidates for infections or diseases. However, hs-CRP serves as an adjunct criterion secondary to other testing modalities in making a diagnosis based on the cumulative amount of the protein in the blood, ranging from high to low.
SureHire explains High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein
Hs-CRP levels can be a primary factor that contributes to the epidemiological development of chronic health issues such as cancer, pneumonia, lupus, osteomyelitis, and tuberculosis. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that biological and physiological anomalies coupled with lifestyle habits carry a high morbidity rate for many people. Medical problems such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), poor nutrition, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, elevated cholesterol and genetics predispose individuals to major underlying health conditions.
Although hs-CRP is an effective biochemical agent in helping identify homeostatic disruptions in the body, some doctors hold polarizing opinions over the legitimacy of interpreting test results. For example, medical evidence suggests that cases of high hs-CRP levels are connected with otherwise healthy individuals at risk of contracting heart disease or pregnant women prescribed certain medications. For this reason, hs-CRP levels may require consistent monitoring by a doctor to rule out any contingencies of a major health concern such as heart attack or stroke.
In the workplace, different industries present environmental hazards and psychological disturbances that can directly influence hs-CRP levels, compounding the risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases. Exposure to noxious chemicals, sedentary job positions, and ongoing stress, coupled with personal habits (i.e., diet, smoking) can cause a hs-CRP upsurge that can lead to heart disease. Blood tests are a viable method for gauging hs-CRP levels against baseline standards when an autoimmune disease or cardiovascular disease is suspected.
