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Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• What is C-reactive protein (CRP)?
• What are the main causes of an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)?
• Is there a link between C-reactive protein (CRP) and cardiovascular disease risk?
• Is elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?
• How is C-reactive protein (CRP) measured?
• How can C-reactive protein (CRP) values predict potential heart disease?
• Should I have my C-reactive protein (CRP) level tested?
• What is the treatment for high C-reactive (CRP) protein?
• What is the outlook on elevated C-reactive (CRP) protein?
• Patient Comments: C-Reactive Protein Test (CRP) - Testing
• C-Reactive Protein Test (CRP) Index

What is the outlook for those with an elevated C- reactive protein (CRP)?

The overall outlook for those with an elevated CRP largely depends on the cause. In general, the level may be elevated as a response to any inflammation or infection present in the body. More specifically, as a risk assessment tool for cardiovascular disease, the elevation of CRP correlates with the presence of the traditional cardiac risk factors including, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, obesity, advanced age, cigarette smoking, and strong family history of cardiac disease. Diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and appropriate medical management of these risk factors in hopes of preventing future cardiovascular disease cannot be overemphasized.

REFERENCE:

American Heart Association. "Inflammation, Heart Disease and Stroke: The Role of C-Reactive Protein."

eMedicineHealth. "C-Rective Protein Test (CRP)."

Medscape.com. "Largest-Ever Meta-Analysis Finds CRP Is Unlikely to Be Causal for CVD."