C-Reactive protein, CRP, is commonly tested in patients with cardiovascular disease. The levels of CRP in your blood are greatly elevated when an area of your body is inflamed. Inflammation can occur as a result of injury, infection or an ongoing disease process. In the case of heart disease, CRP is elevated in proportion to damage to your heart and blood vessels.
What is CRP?
C-reactive protein (CRP) was discovered in 1930 when it was elevated in response to an irritant called C polysaccharide produced by the bacteria pneumococcus. The levels of CRP in the blood rise as much as 50,000 times in response to an inflammatory reaction in the body. CRP binds to pathogens and damaged cells to signal macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that break down and recycle damaged cells. This process is known as phagocytosis where a macrophage literally pinches off and absorbs pieces of the damaged cell.
What Elevates CRP
CRP is produced in the liver; liver disease can interfere with a CRP test. High blood pressure and lack of nutrients from plaque obstructing blood flow can cause damage to cells of the heart and arteries. CRP rises as macrophages infiltrate the walls of your arteries and the muscles of your heart. CRP elevation is not restricted to heart disease. Infection, injury, cancer, inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases can elevate CRP levels.
Inflammation and Heart Disease
Inflammation of the heart and blood vessels can further restrict blood flow to the heart and areas of the body. You may notice this as shortness of breath and edema, or swelling of body parts such as the legs. Inflammation increases the permeability of blood vessels. This allows fluid to leak into body tissues, a condition known as edema. Persistent edema increases blood pressure, placing further strain on your heart.
CRP and Heart Disease
Since CRP is not unique to cardiovascular disease, your doctor will only use it for monitoring your disease progress. High levels of CRP are associated with double the risk of heart attack. Your doctor will perform a test called high sensitivity CRP. This will determine your specific risk level. According to the MayoClinic website, you will benefit most from the CRP test if you have an intermediate risk of having a heart attack within 10 years.
Lowering Your CRP Levels
Your doctor will use the high sensitivity CRP test along with other factors such as your age, overall health, family history to determine your individual risk of heart disease. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help control the progress of your heart disease. If you can control your blood pressure and cholesterol while living a healthy lifestyle your heart and blood vessels can slowly repair themselves.
