C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hs-CRP)

C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver in response to inflammation, acting as your body's internal alarm system. When levels stay elevated, it may signal hidden inflammation or immune dysfunction that isn't obvious on the surface. Chronically high CRP is strongly linked to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test is the gold standard for detecting low-grade inflammation and spotting cardiovascular risk before it shows up in traditional labs. Even with normal cholesterol, elevated CRP can reveal silent threats to heart and vascular health, making it one of the most powerful early warning markers in preventive medicine.