CRP stands for C-reactive protein, which is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. A CRP test is commonly used in medicine to assess the presence and intensity of inflammation or infection in the body.

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🔬 Key Facts about CRP:

1. Function and Role

CRP is part of the acute-phase response to inflammation.

It binds to dead or dying cells and some types of bacteria to help activate the immune system.

It is non-specific, meaning it doesn't point to a particular disease but indicates inflammation or tissue injury.

2. CRP Test

Measured through a blood test.

The test result is given in milligrams per liter (mg/L) of blood.

CRP Level Interpretation

<1 mg/L Low risk of inflammation

1–3 mg/L Moderate risk

>3 mg/L High risk / active inflammation

>10 mg/L Suggests significant inflammation, possible infection or chronic disease

3. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)

A more sensitive version of the CRP test.

Used primarily to assess risk of cardiovascular disease.

hs-CRP levels:

<1 mg/L: Low risk

1–3 mg/L: Average risk

> 3 mg/L: High risk for cardiovascular events

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🩺 Conditions that May Elevate CRP

Infections (bacterial, fungal)

Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)

Chronic inflammatory diseases

Cancer

Heart disease

Obesity

Trauma or surgery

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🧪 CRP vs. ESR

CRP: Changes quickly (within hours), more sensitive.

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Slower to change, often used together with CRP.

📉 Normalization

CRP levels decrease as inflammation resolves.

Useful for monitoring treatment response in infections or chronic inflammatory diseases.

Would you like more detail on how C

RP relates to a specific condition (like heart disease, COVID-19, or autoimmune disorders)?