CRP (C-reactive protein) is a type of protein produced in the liver. Our body has a complex response to events such as infections, tumors and trauma. An increase in serum CRP concentration, an increase in body temperature and an increase in white blood cell count become part of the response. This physiological response is aimed at eliminating the causative agent of infection or inflammation, reducing tissue damage and activating the body's repair function. In healthy individuals, serum CRP concentration levels are quite low. With the onset of the response mentioned here, the serum concentration rate rises rapidly and can increase up to a thousand times within 1 day. When the factor causing the CRP increase is eliminated, the CRP rate in serum decreases within 18-20 hours and falls back to normal levels. The CRP test is a parameter in the diagnosis of inflammatory and infectious diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, and in monitoring the response to treatment.
How is a CRP Test Performed?
CRP can be defined as an easy blood test. It is applied with a sample taken from a specific vein in our body. It does not require special preparation and can be taken at any time of the day, regardless of whether you are hungry or full. However, since some of the simultaneous tests require fasting, it is generally measured while fasting. Since some medications used can cause changes in CRP levels, it is very important to inform the specialist about the medications you use.
What is the normal value of CRP?
It is low in newborn babies but increases after a few days and reaches adult levels. In healthy people, the average serum CRP level is 1.0 mg/L. With aging, the average level of CRP can increase to 2.0 mg/L. In 90% of healthy people, CRP is less than 3.0 mg/L. CRP levels higher than 3 mg/L are not considered normal and are thought to indicate an underlying condition, even in the absence of a clear picture of discomfort. Some laboratories give the CRP concentration in mg/dL. Thus, the result can be evaluated in 1/10 of mg/L.
Symptoms of High CRP
The symptoms ofhigh C-reactive protein vary depending on the condition and its severity. Symptoms of high CRP are as follows;
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Tremor
- Headache complaint
- Nausea
- Eating and drinking disorders
- Unhappiness
- Sleep problems
- Redness
- It is characterized by swelling and pain symptoms.
Symptoms of acute infection; excessive increase in body temperature, intense acceleration of heart rate, intense sweating, continuous vomiting, breathing problems, hives, dry mouth, lips and skin, memory loss can be seen.
How to Lower CRP in the Blood?
C-reactive protein progresses at low rates in people with good health, which means that the risk of heart disease and stroke is low. The methods to reduce the high level of C-reactive protein in the blood are as follows;
- Losing weight
- Not smoking and staying away from smoke
- Reducing alcohol consumption or not drinking at all
- Start using probiotic products
- Eating healthy foods and exercising
- Avoiding high-calorie foods and choosing low-fat foods
- Preferring foods such as cereals and vegetables instead of animal foods
- Avoiding processed foods
- Consuming products with healthy cooking techniques
Which diseases is the CRP test (C Reactive Protein Test) used to diagnose?
TheCRP test measures the inflammation value in the blood. The CRP test is a test that contributes to the diagnosis of disorders. High CRP levels indicate the presence of inflammation or infection in the body, the danger of stroke or heart attack, a recent heart attack, tissue loss or the presence of a tumor.