What does having a high C-reactive protein level indicate?

What’s a C-reactive Protein Test? A Sneak Peek

If you face cholesterol issues, your health care professional must have advised you to reduce it by eliminating the bad cholesterol or LDL from your system. High cholesterol levels can clog the arteries leading to higher chances of heart attacks or strokes in both men and women.

A CRP or C-reactive protein test checks your body for this substance that arises in the liver. It is known to increase due to inflammation in the body which goes on to the arteries by ultimately blocking or damaging them. CRP tests help indicate signs of cardiovascular diseases along with auto-immune diseases and are common for those going through rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

A CRP test is considered a basic blood tests that is then tested in a lab and checked by your doctor. So if you are going in for a CRP test soon, check out the next section to understand what to expect and how to prepare after this blood test.

What to Expect Before & After the CRP Test?

Getting a CRP test at your nearest clinic? Here’s why your doctor might have recommended this for you:

• To understand if there is any inflammation in the body due to an underlying disease.
• To check for auto-immune diseases.
• To check any risks for heart-related issues.
• To check if you might face a second heart attack any time soon.
• To rule out any bacterial infections.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with a heart attack or auto-immune disease, your healthcare professional will ask you to get a CRP test done every quarter to monitor your vitals.

When you’re at the clinic, the phlebotomist (the one who draws blood from your veins) will help you through the process. There aren't any special kinds of preparations required before this blood test. However, you may not be asked to fast before taking the CRP test.  

After the blood sample is collected, it gets sent to a laboratory to check for symptoms of C-reactive protein. It might take a day or two for the results to come in, after which your doctor will get in touch with you. 

Levels of C-reactive Protein Test? Interpreting Them Correctly

Did you know that your CRP test results come based on different levels? It can be normal or unusually high or low, which may be a deciding factor in understanding if you will have cardiovascular issues in the future.

Normal CRP test levels are less than 0.9 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). In case of minor elevations, your doctor might look at the following in your lifestyle:

• Smoking
• Excessive use of alcohol
• obesity
• Common cold
• Pregnancy
• Gingivitis
• Diabetes
• Insomnia

Usually, women and senior citizens have a raised CRP level.

If your CRP test levels indicate a higher volume of C-reactive protein, you might have signs of inflammation in the body. However, the cause remains uncertain. Here, your doctor will recommend additional tests to understand the underlying cause of sudden inflammation in your body.

In cases of moderate elevations ranging between 1.0 to 10.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), you might have one of the following:

• Inflammation is caused by auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
• Pancreatitis
• Bronchitis
• Heart attacks

Your CRP test results might indicate a marked elevation, usually above 10.0 milligrams per deciliter which is a demarcation of the following:

• Viral infections
• Vasculitis
• Trauma or injury caused by an accident
• Bacterial infections

In the case of acute bacterial infections, there might be a case of severe C-reactive protein in your system. It means that more than 50% of this substance is in your body.

If you’re undergoing treatment for C-reactive protein, the level might go below 0.9 milligrams per deciliter, which is then considered normal. Low CRP test levels are considered substantial and show a positive streak if you’re already under treatment. 

Why Should You Trust HealthcareOnTime for Your CRP Test?

A CRP test price can get expensive, especially when you have inflammatory diseases and need a routine checkup. By signing up for package deals that care for you and your family, you prevent yourself from burning a hole in your wallet and ensuring the safety of every individual at home.

HealthcareOnTime, as the name suggests, is your one-stop solution for getting CRP tests on time. 

The C-reactive protein test price is affordable, with results delivered to your doorstep. Moreover, these blood tests can also be conducted at home with our executives reaching your place in no time.

Check out the CRP test cost on the HealthcareOnTime website and book your test conveniently after making the necessary payment through our secure gateway. A Thyrocare professional will then reach your home in a matter of days to collect your blood sample, and the test report will arrive in your email within 1-2 days.

Get an affordable CRP blood test price with no extra costs for your family members. You can also club this with a full package offer and be assured of 100% accuracy when you get your test results.