High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a blood test that measures tiny amounts of inflammation in the body. CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, which can be caused by infections, chronic diseases, or other conditions. The "high-sensitivity" test detects lower levels of CRP, helping to identify subtle inflammation that may be linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated hs-CRP levels do not diagnose specific diseases but can be an indicator of overall inflammation and help guide risk assessment and management of cardiovascular health.