[roanzalone]

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...

[Cinnabar]

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.

[tickle]

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 ?

[Liasdaughter]

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

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

Hope it helps.

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

[Cinnabar]

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.