hsCRP
High-sensitivity inflammatory marker in the blood
Also known as
Definition
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an ultrasensitive inflammation marker that detects even low-grade chronic systemic inflammation. It is an independent risk marker for cardiovascular disease. In biohacking contexts, hsCRP serves as a key indicator of inflammatory status and the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | mg/l |
| Reference Range | Labs state their own ranges; the range on your own report is what counts, and your doctor interprets the result. The risk groups of the 2003 CDC/AHA statement (below 1, 1–3, above 3 mg/l) describe relative cardiovascular risk and are not a reference range. |
Agree on your personal target range with your doctor.
↓ What a low value means
hsCRP < 1.0 mg/l indicates a low inflammatory burden. The CDC/AHA statement (Pearson et al., Circulation 2003) assigns this range to low relative cardiovascular risk; this is a grading of this one marker, not an individual overall cardiovascular risk. Very low values near zero are unremarkable; there is no clinically meaningful lower limit.
↑ What a high value means
The 2003 CDC/AHA statement assigns hsCRP 1–3 mg/l to average and above 3 mg/l to high relative cardiovascular risk. These categories describe this marker only; individual overall cardiovascular risk only emerges together with other factors such as blood pressure, blood lipids, smoking, and diabetes. An acute infection can raise the value temporarily and is therefore part of the interpretation. hsCRP > 10 mg/l: likely acute infection or tissue injury — cardiovascular interpretation not valid. Chronically elevated hsCRP is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, sleep deprivation, smoking, and periodontal disease.
✓ What can influence this value
The hsCRP value is markedly raised by acute infections and tissue injury and is therefore not interpreted cardiovascularly during acute illness. In the long term it is influenced by excess body weight (adipose tissue is an inflammatory source), smoking, sleep deprivation, periodontal disease, alcohol consumption, dietary patterns, and physical activity. A Mediterranean diet and regular endurance training are associated with lower hsCRP values in studies. The assessment is made by the treating doctor.
When to test
During or shortly after acute infections the value is not meaningful for cardiovascular risk (it can rise above 100 mg/l). No fasting required. hsCRP is measured in cardiovascular screening, usually alongside a lipid panel, especially with risk factors. Whether and when it is measured again is decided by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CRP and hsCRP? +
Standard CRP detects high-level inflammation (> 5 mg/l) for acute diagnostic purposes. hsCRP can measure values down to 0.1 mg/l and is therefore sensitive for chronic low-grade inflammation. hsCRP is always used for cardiovascular risk screening.
Can omega-3 fatty acids lower hsCRP? +
Yes. Meta-analyses show that high-dose omega-3 (EPA+DHA) can lower hsCRP, especially with elevated baseline values. Whether and how much omega-3 is taken is decided by your doctor.
How can elevated hsCRP from infection be told apart from chronic inflammation? +
In acute infection, CRP rises rapidly to values > 10–100 mg/l and normalizes within days of resolution. Chronically elevated hsCRP typically remains consistently between 1 and 10 mg/l. A repeat measurement after an infection-free period makes the distinction easier.
hsCRP
Sources
Last updated: May 28, 2026
This information is for orientation only and does not replace medical advice. Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, method and country.