hs CRP

Why test for hs CRP Test at Symbion VIP Diagnostics Pathology Lab ?

hs CRP is also known as hsCRP; High-sensitivity CRP; Ultra-sensitive CRP; Cardiac CRP;; CRP for heart disease; High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein.

No current consensus exists on when to get tested; hs-CRP is often ordered in conjunction with other tests that are performed to assess risk of heart disease, such as a lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C) when your healthcare provider would like additional information on your risk.

The level of C-reactive protein (CRP), which can be measured in your blood, increases when there's inflammation in your body. Your doctor might check your C-reactive protein level for infections or for other medical conditions.

A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test, which is more sensitive than a standard test, also can be used to evaluate your risk of developing coronary artery disease, a condition in which the arteries of your heart are narrowed. Coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack.

A simple blood test measures C-reactive protein.

It's thought that a high level of hs-CRP in your blood is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks. A CRP test doesn't indicate the cause of inflammation, though, so it's possible that a high hs-CRP level could mean there's inflammation caused by something besides your heart.

The American Heart Association doesn't recommend an hs-CRP test for everyone. Rather, the test is most useful for people who have a 5 to 10 percent chance of having a heart attack within the next 10 years. This intermediate risk level is determined by the global risk assessment, which is based on lifestyle choices, family history and current health status.

The test also helps determine the risk of a second heart attack, as people with a high level of hs-CRP who had a heart attack are more likely to have another event than those with a normal level.

People who have a low risk of having a heart attack are less likely to benefit from having an hs-CRP test. People who have a known high risk of having a heart attack should seek treatment and preventive measures regardless of how high their hs-CRP level is.