Cardio CRP
CRP stands for C Reactive Protein, a
protein that is known to be elevated in times of inflammation.
It has been used to indicate the level of activity of conditions
such as rheumatoid arthritis, high (in range of 100mg/L) indicating
more active arthritis and low (10-20mg/L) indicating less.
More recently the test to measure CRP has been improved to be able
to measure very low levels and this is called a Cardio-CRP or hs-CRP
(high sensitivity CRP) which can measure in range of 1mg/L. We
now know that buildup or partial blockage in the arteries causes
inflammation at low levels so that a hs-CRP at 3 mg/L is a strong
indication of actual early blockage.
A healthy diet with moderate activity will help reduce the
Cardio-CRP. Some cholesterol lowering medications can also
decrease the CRP level.
At ARFP we use the Cardio-CRP along with measurement of your LDL
cholesterol and other tests to define your risk of developing heart
disease.
Please call Autumn Road Family Practice at 227-6363 to schedule an appointment for a exam.