I just recently had a blood test as part of a routine annual physical. I was just informed that all my blood work was great except that my c reactive protein level was elevated! What exactly does this mean? I was only told that I have some kind of inflammation. I'm only 32 years old and somewhat concerned...

That's really all that can be told to you at this point. Elevated CRP just points to inflammation but the causes vary. Infection is the typical reason.

Hi, Cinnabar, we meet again. The OP doesn't say she is overweight but elevated CRP levels can occur in overweight or obese people. Mind you, obese here in Ontario doesn't mean a heck of a lot, anyone 20 lbs. overweight is considered obese, depending on where the fat has accumulated.

Elevated CRP can also cause heart attacks or stroke.

Your thoughts ?

Hi, you can find an easily understandable information about C-reactive protein (produced by he liver), on the Medical Encyclopedia

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: C-reactive protein (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003356.htm)

Medical Encyclopedia offers informations about some (but not incluseive), medical conditions which migh cause elevated c-reactive protein levels.

While a CRP test often indicates some kind of inflammation in the body, and are used to determined "flare-up" periods of certain deiseases (for example: rheumatioid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis), low CRP level does not always means that a person does not have an imflammation. Regular CRP test does not pinpoint the whereabout of the imflammation either.

However, a more specialised CRP test, High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) assay is used for a more specific indicator for a possible cardiovasular disease.

There is also an t article, written by Ray Sahelian MD. About some possible methods of lowering CRP levels naturally.

C Reactive Protein reduction CRP : by Ray Sahelian, M.D. natural supplements, diet, and ways to lower c reactive protein (http://www.raysahelian.com/creactiveprotein.html)

Hope it helps.

Liasdaughter is a Biomedical Sciences student and also a Floating Supervisor for WikiAnswers

Hi, Cinnabar, we meet again. The OP doesnt say she is overweight but elevated CRP levels can occur in overweight or obese people. Mind you, obese here in Ontario doesnt mean a heck of a lot, anyone 20 lbs. overweight is considered obese, depending on where the fat has accumulated.

Elevated CRP can also cause heart attacks or stroke.

Your thoughts ?

Elevated CRP is positively correlated with obesity due to its relationship with inflammation. It can be a predictor of future coronary events but is not in and of itself the cause of heart attacks or stroke.