How Much CRP Level is Dangerous & How to Reduce it? 

C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream in reaction to inflammation. A C-reactive protein test is a nonspecific serological diagnostic test that acts as a marker for inflammation in the body. A hs-CRP test is more sensitive than the standard CRP test because it detects even the smallest amounts of CRP in the blood accurately. This is particularly useful in determining cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients. 

CRP levels rapidly rise and fall in response to the initiation and removal of the inflammatory stimuli. Chronic inflammatory disorders, including chronic infections or rheumatoid arthritis, can result in persistently elevated CRP levels.

In this blog, we will look at how much CRP level is dangerous, what causes them to rise, how to test for them, and possible high CRP treatment.

What Does a high C-reactive protein (CRP) Level Mean?

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a pentameric protein present in blood plasma. Its concentration rises in reaction to inflammation. The body produces IL-6, which is secreted by macrophages and T-cells whenever there is inflammation. As a result, CRP is released in reaction to substances secreted by macrophages, T cells, and fat cells (adipocytes). 

A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) blood test detects this protein, and elevated levels may indicate inflammation. In most healthy adults, the normal range for hs CRP is 0.3 mg/dL or lower. Most healthcare professionals will consider a CRP level greater than 10 mg/L to be abnormal.

What Is the hs-CRP Test?

The hs-CRP test is more sensitive than the standard C-reactive protein test. This test can detect even smaller amounts of C-reactive protein in the blood.

A high-sensitive CRP means that this blood test detects very low levels of CRP, typically below 10 mg/L. It is used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease, as even low-grade inflammation over time can contribute to the progression of heart disease. 

In addition, a level of 2 mg/L or higher may be a risk factor for cardiac arrest or heart attack. The hs-CRP test helps in detecting overall heart health, including the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

How much CRP Level is Dangerous?

If your CRP level is elevated, your provider will think about how far above the normal range they are. Your levels could be moderately, greatly, or severely high. The table below summarizes different levels of CRP from the hs-crp test normal range to dangerous elevated levels and their associated conditions:

Any level above 1 mg/dL is considered elevated by your doctor, and they will discuss the possible causes and treatments. Apart from maintaining optimal CRP levels, patients should also learn how to check heart blockage at home. This will eventually help track major issues early so that an effective management approach is adopted on time. 

How to Lower High CRP Levels?

To effectively lower high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, which are indicative of inflammation in the body, a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and possibly medical interventions can be employed. Here are some effective strategies:

• Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Reducing or eliminating inflammatory foods such as refined carbohydrates, fried foods, red meat, and processed meat can lower CRP.  In addition, try eating more anti-inflammatory foods, such as whole grains, fatty fish, leafy greens, and nuts. Over time, strictly following an anti-inflammatory diet chart for heart patients, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber can reduce CRP levels. People are also choosing anti-inflammatory supplements such as FM Nutrition Opti-Histamine, which is a vegetarian and nutritionist-recommended product. Buy this high-quality supplement from our store today. Buy here.

• Exercise Regularly

Try to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. This may include brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and other high-intensity cardiovascular exercises. Strength training with weights twice to three times per week has anti-inflammatory health benefits.

• Manage Your Weight

Excess adipose tissue creates an inflammatory environment, which increases the production of IL-6 and other cytokines. This will cause the liver to generate more CRP.

Losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce inflammation and CRP. Diet and exercise are key to safe, long-term weight loss.

• Medications

Some medications, such as those that act on inflammatory pathways, may help in decreasing CRP levels:

• Statins (commonly used to treat high cholesterol)
• NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and aspirin). Aspirin can also help manage heart attack symptoms during emergencies. 
• Corticosteroids (commonly used for the treatment of rheumatologic conditions like arthritis)
• Metformin (frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes)
• Vitamin or herbal supplements (for example, fish oil and anti-inflammatory spices such as turmeric and ginger). VitaOne C3 Curcumin Complex is a high-quality herbal supplement that is recommended by nutritionists and contains turmeric. This product is available in our store. Check it out.   
• Avoid Or Quit Smoking

Smokers generally have elevated CRP levels compared to non-smokers due to the inflammatory effects of tobacco smoke on the body. This inflammation is linked to various health risks, including cardiovascular disease. 

Quitting smoking will lead to a reduction in CRP levels over time. However, this reduction is not immediate and may take several years to reach levels comparable to those of never-smokers.

• Manage Stress

Chronic stress depletes the body's resources and can increase inflammation. Schedule time for relaxing activities such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. Spend time on hobbies that you enjoy. Get enough sleep and communicate with your family, friends, and other members of your support system. Stress management can help to control inflammatory responses.

Take Charge of Your Heart Health Today!

Raised CRP levels are a sign of inflammation rather than a specific disease. The symptoms of CRP elevation can differ depending on the underlying cause of inflammation. The key to reducing inflammation is to be proactive about your health. 

Get your CRP levels tested so you know your baseline. Discuss how much CRP level is dangerous and understand your results to determine whether additional evaluation or assistance is required.

With Aware, you receive daily guidance in the form of "action steps" and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to maintain your heart health. Go beyond medication management to develop healthy habits for controlling your normal blood pressure. Take proactive steps to improve your overall health.

FAQ’s

1. Can CRP be reduced by medicine?

Some medications can reduce CRP levels by addressing the underlying cause of inflammation. However, they are rarely prescribed, particularly for reducing CRP. Statins for cholesterol or anti-inflammatory drugs for specific conditions may have this effect.

It is essential to visit a doctor for expert guidance on lowering CRP and selecting the appropriate medications.

2. What happens if CRP is high?

High CRP levels indicate increased inflammation in the body, which is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. Elevated CRP can also signal other inflammatory conditions, such as infections or autoimmune diseases. 

A CRP level above 3 mg/L suggests an increased risk for cardiovascular issues, while levels above 10 mg/L may indicate significant inflammation requiring further investigation. 

3. How to control CRP level at home?

Several lifestyle changes can help lower your CRP levels while managing inflammation in your body. These include regular exercise, eating a healthy anti-inflammatory diet, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep.

4. How to reduce CRP levels by food?

The first line of defense for naturally reducing CRP levels is to modify daily lifestyle. This entails fine-tuning the diets and daily routines to promote a lower inflammatory state in the body. Here is a list of some of the best foods to incorporate into your diet:

• Leafy greens, including spinach and kale,
• Fatty fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel,
• Whole grains with high fiber content,
• Nuts, specifically almonds, and walnuts,
• Berries, cherries, and other fruits rich in antioxidants,
• Olive oil, an essential element of the anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet,
• A moderate amount of dark chocolate.

5. How much CRP level is dangerous?

Results that exceed 10 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are regarded as high. High levels usually indicate that you have some form of inflammation in your body. At the same time, CRP levels of more than 10 mg/L are considered to be dangerous and require prompt treatment.