C-Reactive Protein
What is C-Reactive Protein?
C-reactive protein (CRP) is released by the body in response to acute injury, infection, or other inflammatory stimuli. C-reactive protein is found in trace amounts in healthy people and is a leading blood marker of systemic (or body-wide) inflammation: People with elevated CRP levels are four and one-half times more likely to have a heart attack, compared with people who have normal levels of the protein. Furthermore, a variety of serious diseases are associated with high blood levels of CRP.
The activation of the acute phase response from infection, immune activation or injury is signaled by interleukin-6, which produces proteins such as fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid A that lead to inflammatory reactions. Localized inflammatory responses in the inner (“intimal’) layer of the arterial wall have been shown to be responsible for many of the aspects of intimal thickening and plaque disruption, leading to acute cardiovascular events.
CRP levels are elevated in many different diseases and conditions. The list below is only the beginning as more is learned about CRP.
What are some of the conditions associated with an elevated CRP?
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Heart Disease/Atherosclerosis
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Strokes
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Obesity
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Dental Disease
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Blood Sugar Disorders
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Alzheimer’s
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Arthritis
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Cancer
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Viral Diseases
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Smoking tobacco
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Use of Estradiol with or without Progestagens in Post-Menopausal Women:
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Hidden Bacterial Infections?
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Aging