When C-reactive protein (CRP) is high, it's a sign of inflammation in the body. While there is no widely accepted definition of "normal" CRP levels, values above 1 milligram per liter are generally considered to be high. Having elevated CRP levels over time is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. High CRP levels are also commonly related to medical conditions—such as an infection like COVID-19, a chronic inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis, and some cancers. This article explains what it means for your C-reactive protein to be high. It will cover what CRP blood tests are used for, possible causes for elevated CRP levels, and the medication and lifestyle changes that can treat high CRP. Why Is a C-Reactive Protein Test Done? Experts do not recommend that providers routinelytest CRPlevels. You may need to have your CRP levels checked if your healthcare provider thinks you could have an infection or another condition that causes inflammation. CRP is ma...
