hsCRP: The Inflammation Marker That Predicts More Than Heart Disease

C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by your liver in response to inflammation. The "high-sensitivity" version (hsCRP) can detect lower levels of inflammation that standard CRP tests miss.

Originally used to assess cardiovascular risk, hsCRP is now recognised as a valuable marker for systemic inflammation affecting multiple body systems.

Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly linked to:

• Fatigue — Inflammatory cytokines directly cause tiredness
• Slow tissue healing — Persistent inflammation impairs repair
• Chronic pain — Inflammation sensitises pain pathways
• Metabolic dysfunction — Inflammation drives insulin resistance
• Mood disturbances — Brain inflammation affects neurotransmitters
• Accelerated ageing — "Inflammageing" is a recognised phenomenon

Standard Cardiovascular Risk Categories

• Low risk: Below 1.0 mg/L
• Average risk: 1.0-3.0 mg/L
• High risk: Above 3.0 mg/L

Functional Interpretation

For optimal metabolic function and recovery:

• Optimal: Below 0.5 mg/L
• Acceptable: 0.5-1.0 mg/L
• Elevated: Above 1.0 mg/L

Many people with "normal" hsCRP by cardiovascular standards still have enough inflammation to affect their energy and recovery.

Lifestyle Factors

• Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep
• Chronic stress
• Sedentary behaviour
• Excessive intense exercise without recovery
• Smoking

Dietary Factors

• High sugar and refined carbohydrate intake
• Processed seed oils
• Alcohol excess
• Food sensitivities

Metabolic Factors

• Insulin resistance
• Excess visceral fat
• Metabolic syndrome

Other Sources

• Chronic infections (dental, gut, sinus)
• Gut dysbiosis and permeability
• Autoimmune activity

If you're recovering from injury and hsCRP is elevated, your body is fighting two battles: the local tissue damage AND systemic inflammation. This diverts resources and slows healing.

Reducing background inflammation often accelerates recovery and improves overall resilience.

Effective strategies include:

• Sleep optimisation — 7-9 hours of quality sleep
• Dietary changes — Anti-inflammatory foods, reduced sugar
• Stress management — Cortisol drives inflammation
• Movement — Regular moderate exercise is anti-inflammatory
• Gut health — Addressing dysbiosis and permeability
• Targeted nutrients — Omega-3s, curcumin, specific antioxidants

At Metabolic Physio, hsCRP is included in our Metabolic Audit because it provides actionable information. If inflammation is elevated, we can investigate causes and implement targeted strategies. If it's optimal, we know that's not the limiting factor in your recovery or energy.

It's a simple, inexpensive test that tells us a lot about your underlying physiology.