hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)

Advanced wellness

also hscrp, high-sensitivity crp

What it isA high-sensitivity assay of C-reactive protein, an acute-phase protein made by the liver in response to systemic inflammation signals (chiefly IL-6). It detects the small fluctuations relevant to chronic disease that standard CRP misses.

DoesActs as a downstream readout of body-wide inflammatory tone.

GoodVery low hsCRP signals quiescent systemic inflammation — a hallmark of long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health.

BadPersistently elevated hsCRP predicts heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, depression, and many cancers. It's a transdiagnostic risk marker.

Standard

<1.0 mg/L low risk; 1.0–3.0 average; >3.0 high.

Optimal

<0.3 mg/L (lower is good)

Modifiers

Spikes acutely with infection, injury, or surgery — wait 2–3 weeks after illness; rises with obesity, smoking, periodontal disease.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Zone 2 cardio, resistance training, weight loss, sleep 7–9 hours, smoking cessation, stress management.
Diet: Mediterranean pattern; cut ultra-processed food, refined carbs, seed oils; eat fatty fish, olive oil, nuts, berries, leafy greens.
Supplements: Omega-3 EPA+DHA (2–4g/day), curcumin (500mg 2×/day with piperine), vitamin D3 (target 60–80 ng/mL), CoQ10 (100–200mg/day).
Peptides: BPC-157, thymosin alpha-1, GHK-Cu may reduce systemic inflammatory tone.
Drugs: Statins lower hsCRP independently of LDL; low-dose colchicine; GLP-1 agonists.

within Cardiovascular & BP