C-Reactive
Protein:
Indicator of Arthritis & Heart Disease
When the body has any sort of
inflammation, levels of C-reactive protein in the blood increase
usually within 2 to 6 hours. The liver produces C-reactive protein
(CRP) when there is inflammation somewhere in the body. In an arthritis
panel, physicians check the C-reactive protein levels to determine
any significant changes. The normal range of C-reactive protein
should be 0-1.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or less than 10
mg/L (SI units). A C-reactive protein test is used to indicate inflammation:
however, it cannot determine the cause and location of the inflammation.
The arthritis panel includes several other tests since different
factors can interfere with the accuracy of the results. Patients
using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or oral contraceptives may
have inaccurate results. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) such as aspirin, or corticosteroids also interfere with
the results. Other factors may include pregnancy, obesity, vigorous
exercise, and medication to lower cholesterol.
A C-reactive protein (CRP) test may be done to help determine:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Gout
- Reiter's Syndrome
- Crohn's Disease
- Acute Pacreatitis
- Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Lymphoma
- Tuberculosis
- Burns
- Temporal Arteritis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Sepsis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Bacterial Meningitis
- Urinary Tract Infection
Recent research conducted at Duke
University Medical Center has shown, "healthy people who are
prone to anger, hostility and mild to moderate depressive
symptoms produce higher levels of C-reactive protein which promotes
cardiovascular disease and stroke." Increase levels of stress
hormones activate the production of C-reactive protein, according
to Edward Suaraz, Ph. D., associate professor in the Duke University
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
A growing number of studies have
suggested C-reactive protein tests can predict cardiovascular disease.
Evidence of inflammation is important in atherosclerosis because
diseased arteries typically contain inflammatory cells. Atherosclerosis
is the process in which fatty substances; cholesterol, cellular
waste products, calcium, and other substances build up in the lining
of the arteries. Studies have shown the higher the levels of C-reactive
protein, the higher the risk of developing heart attacks.
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