What Is a C-Reactive Protein?If you have high cholesterol, you've probably been told to lower the LDL number from your blood test. LDL is the "bad cholesterol," the type that contributes to plaque that can clog your arteries. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke.But that's only part of the story. Research shows that only 50% of people who've had heart attacks had high LDL levels. So, many doctors use another test, called the C-reactive protein test, to help figure out who’s at risk.C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver. Its level rises when there's inflammation in your body. LDL cholesterol not only coats the walls of your arteries, but it also damages them. This damage causes inflammation that the body tries to heal by sending a "response team" of proteins called "acute phase reactants." CRP is one of these proteins.Why Is a C-Reactive Protein Test Done?The C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the level of C-reactive proteinin your blood. One study found that testin...
