Everyone has some level of protein in his blood. In fact, serum proteins, as they are often called, serve many purposes, such as regulating blood pressure. High protein levels, however, are often an indication that something is wrong. More often than not, the problem is linked to infections or inflammations, but high serum proteins may also be a precursor to a cardiovascular event.
Viral Hepatitis
High blood protein levels can be an indication of viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is an infection that causes inflammation to the liver, which is likely the reason for the high protein levels. It's most often the result of the hepatitis A virus, but four other types also exist --- types B, C, D and E. Hepatitis typically begins with flu-like symptoms and then progresses to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and jaundice.
HIV/AIDS
Contracting HIV can also lead to high blood protein levels. It appears that the human immunodeficiency virus produces a protein known as the HIV antigen immediately upon infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Unlike with viral hepatitis, this may be the only virus-specific symptom people suffer for years, making early diagnosis of the infection possible. Prior tests could only find the antibodies linked to the condition in about 12 weeks.
Marrow Disorders
High blood protein is sometimes linked to disorders associated with bone marrow. Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer affecting the plasma cells in your marrow. As with other cancers, the abnormal cells multiply at a heightened rate, increasing the number of plasma cells in your blood. Since plasma cells produce protein antibodies, the protein in your blood may also see an increase in its levels.
Besides myeloma, the high blood protein may be associated with amyloidosis or monoclonal gammopathy. Amyloidosis is a disease affecting amyloids -- another form of protein produced by bone marrow. In this situation, these proteins are deposited in one or more of the organs in your body. Depending on the organ, the protein deposits can damage the organ. Monoclonal gammopathy is a condition where white blood cells produce an abnormal protein that can accumulate around tissue, crowding healthy cells and leading to tissue damage.
Cardiovascular Event
A study conducted at St. Michael's Hospital in Ontario, Canada, found that elevated blood protein levels might indicate an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly in those individuals with chronic vascular disease or diabetes. Plasma enzyme renin, which helps regulate blood pressure, also contains proteins. The more found in the bloodstream, the greater the risk of heart attack or stroke. Further studies are necessary to determine if this marker indicates a greater risk of death as a result of a cardiovascular event.
References
- MayoClinic.com; High Blood Protein; November 2009
- MayoClinic.com; HIV/AIDS; April 2010
- Lab Tests Online; Total Protein and A/G Ration; May 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Viral Hepatitis; October 2009
- American Cancer Society; Multiple Myeloma; August 2010
- Science Daily; Blood Protein Levels May Predict Risk of a Cardiovascular Event; April 2011
