High CRP Levels: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

CRP is one of the commonly seen parameters in blood tests and is the abbreviation for "C-reactive protein," a type of protein.

CRP is one of the commonly seen parameters in blood tests and is the abbreviation for "C-reactive protein," a type of protein. This protein, produced in the liver in response to inflammation (inflammation) anywhere in the body, can have elevated levels in the blood due to various health issues, particularly infectious diseases. Mild increases in CRP levels can sometimes occur due to simple reasons and may be considered normal. However, severe CRP elevation or consistently high CRP levels require investigation into the underlying cause. It is not a specific test, and it can rise due to inflammation from anywhere in the body or from different areas. In patients who have been diagnosed and treated, CRP tests are frequently used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. For patients with elevated CRP levels detected in routine blood tests, further diagnostic methods should be used to investigate the location and cause of the inflammation, and the treatment plan should be shaped accordingly.

What Is High CRP?

C-reactive protein, produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body, is a blood parameter that can be used both to investigate the presence of inflammation and to determine its severity. High CRP levels in the blood can be an indicator of a wide range of diseases, from infections and inflammatory diseases to cancer. In a healthy person, the CRP level in the blood is expected to be between 0-0.5 mg/dl. CRP is highly sensitive and can increase even with the slightest inflammation. Therefore, high CRP levels are typically considered significant when they exceed 0.5 mg/dl. However, these values should be assessed by a doctor, taking into account factors such as the person’s age, weight, gender, health status, medications, and existing conditions. When evaluating test results, patients should provide detailed information to the doctor about the medications they are taking and their health conditions. CRP tests do not provide information about the location or cause of inflammation. For this reason, they are usually used by doctors as a supporting marker when they suspect a disease. The CRP test is not affected by whether the person is fasting or not and can be performed at any time of the day without the need for fasting. However, since it is often conducted along with other blood tests that require fasting, it is advisable to go for the test on an empty stomach.

What Does High CRP Indicate?

An elevated CRP level can be a sign of various health issues, including heart and vascular diseases, hypertension, heart attacks, stroke, and obesity. Therefore, further research should be conducted to determine the underlying cause of high CRP. Since C-reactive protein is produced in the liver, individuals with liver diseases may experience disruptions in the production of this protein. Additionally, a slight increase in CRP levels can be normal during pregnancy. However, high CRP levels during pregnancy must be monitored by a doctor, as it can be associated with risks such as premature birth or miscarriage. High cholesterol, particularly high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), can also lead to elevated CRP levels. In such individuals, both structural problems in the blood vessels and high CRP levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, and strokes. Therefore, individuals who learn that their CRP levels are high should consult their doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of High CRP?

High CRP levels do not cause symptoms on their own. However, depending on the underlying health issues that trigger the increase in CRP, such as infections, inflammatory diseases, cancer, or cardiovascular diseases, various symptoms may arise. These symptoms can become more severe, especially when there is an infection. There are no symptoms or signs specific to high CRP levels. However, symptoms that may occur in cases of high CRP due to moderate and severe infections, chronic inflammations, and poorly controlled autoimmune diseases include:

• Fever
• Pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Chills and shivering
• Indigestion, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal issues
• Sleep disturbances
• Cough

In individuals with very high CRP levels, the most common cause is acute bacterial infections. In this case, complications such as high fever, sweating, chills, rapid heart rate, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, redness, and hives may also develop. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention and undergo a doctor's evaluation.

What Causes High CRP Levels?

Any disease that leads to inflammation in the body can cause elevated CRP levels. The most common causes of high CRP include:

• Infectious diseases
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.)
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Meningitis
• Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)
• Tissue and organ damage
• Cancer
• Trauma, burns, and injuries
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases
• Bone and joint inflammations
• Heart attack and cardiovascular diseases
• Acute pancreatitis
• Kawasaki disease

Apart from the above-mentioned conditions, many other health problems can also lead to high CRP levels. One important consideration when evaluating CRP levels in the blood is the factors that affect its production. Some medications, such as statins used in cholesterol treatment and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can lower CRP levels. Additionally, pregnancy, the use of birth control pills, or some chronic autoimmune diseases can cause CRP levels to remain elevated. It is crucial to inform the doctor of these situations to accurately interpret the test results.

Treatment of High CRP Levels

The treatment of high CRP is a common concern for many patients. Treatment for high CRP is not directed at lowering the CRP itself but at addressing the underlying health issue that is causing the elevated levels of this protein in the blood. Therefore, the exact cause of the increase must be identified first. Additional tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, endoscopy, and biopsy, may be required for diagnosis. CRP levels, which rise due to inflammation anywhere in the body, may return to normal levels within 18–20 hours once the inflammatory trigger is removed. This process helps both in diagnosing the presence of a disease and in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment. For instance, CRP tests performed at regular intervals can track the progress of treatment for bacterial infections, one of the most common causes of high CRP levels.

In addition to treatments aimed at the underlying disease, preventive measures that patients can take include:

• Eating a balanced diet
• Avoiding unnecessary medication use
• Losing weight healthily under the supervision of a doctor and dietitian if overweight
• Engaging in regular exercise
• Consuming enough probiotic and high-fiber foods
• Following a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet for those with high cholesterol
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Regularly attending routine health check-ups

If you have recently had a blood test and noticed that your CRP level is high, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying causes. Early diagnosis and treatment of possible infections or other health issues can prevent serious diseases and help you lead a healthier life.