hs-CRPmg/L
Systemic inflammation
Also known as: High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, CRP
Typical optimal range
0–5 mg/L
A result below 5 mg/L is generally considered within the typical range, though reference intervals differ between laboratories, so always interpret your result alongside your lab's own reference values. These figures are indicative — the range printed on your own lab report is the definitive one for your results.
NICE guideline CG181 (Cardiovascular disease risk assessment) and NICE guideline NG238 (Cardiovascular disease: risk reduction) provide context for how inflammatory markers may be considered alongside lipid results in cardiovascular risk assessment; interpretation of CRP otherwise follows NHS and laboratory guidance.
What is hs-CRP?
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, tissue damage, or infection anywhere in the body. The high-sensitivity version of the test (hs-CRP) uses a more precise laboratory method that can detect lower concentrations than the standard CRP assay, making it useful not only for spotting acute illness but also for assessing low-grade chronic inflammation linked to cardiovascular risk. Because hs-CRP rises reliably and quickly in response to inflammatory signals, measuring it in the blood gives a useful snapshot of how much inflammatory activity is currently present in the body.
What a high hs-CRP means
A raised hs-CRP is a signal that the body's inflammatory response is active — it is not a diagnosis in itself, but it tells your GP that something worth investigating may be going on. The cause could be as straightforward as a recent cold, or it may point to a longer-standing process that merits a closer look.
- Acute infection or illness. hs-CRP rises sharply within hours of infection or tissue injury and can reach very high levels with bacterial infections. A recent cold, flu, urinary tract infection, or dental abscess can all push the result up temporarily — results taken during or shortly after illness should usually be repeated once you have recovered.
- Visceral fat and metabolic inflammation. Excess fat stored around the abdomen and organs produces inflammatory signalling molecules called cytokines, which drive a persistent, low-grade rise in CRP. This type of chronic, background inflammation is associated with increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk over time.
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus can cause sustained elevation of hs-CRP as part of the underlying disease process. In these cases, CRP is also used to monitor how well inflammation is being controlled with treatment.
A single raised reading needs context — timing matters enormously. hs-CRP is non-specific, meaning it goes up with many different causes; your GP will look at the full clinical picture, including symptoms and other blood tests, before drawing any conclusions.
What a low hs-CRP means
A low hs-CRP simply reflects a low level of systemic inflammation, which is a reassuring finding and not a cause for concern.
Should I be worried?
A single elevated hs-CRP result is best thought of as a prompt for a conversation with your GP rather than a reason for alarm — many common, short-lived causes (such as a recent infection or minor injury) will resolve on their own and bring the level back down. If your result is unexpectedly high or persistently raised on repeat testing, your GP may want to explore further, checking markers such as a full blood count, ESR, liver and kidney function, and sometimes more specific tests depending on your symptoms and history. In the context of cardiovascular risk, hs-CRP is sometimes used alongside cholesterol results to help refine an overall risk picture, particularly if your risk score is borderline. The most helpful thing you can do is share any relevant symptoms — fatigue, joint pain, unexplained weight changes — so your GP can interpret the result properly.
What actually helps
Several well-studied lifestyle changes can help bring persistently elevated hs-CRP down, particularly when it is driven by low-grade chronic inflammation rather than an acute illness.
- Reduce visceral fat. Losing even a modest amount of abdominal fat — through a combination of a sustainable calorie-appropriate diet and regular physical activity — is one of the most effective ways to lower chronic inflammatory markers, including CRP. NHS guidance supports at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week as a starting point.
- Prioritise sleep. Poor or short sleep duration is consistently associated with higher CRP levels in population studies. Aiming for seven to nine hours of good-quality sleep each night supports the body's ability to regulate inflammation.
- Manage stress. Chronic psychological stress activates inflammatory pathways; approaches such as mindfulness, regular physical activity, and social connection have evidence behind them for reducing stress-related inflammation over time.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Higher intakes of long-chain omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA), primarily from oily fish, are associated with lower CRP levels in multiple trials. The evidence is most consistent for food sources rather than supplements, though the picture with supplements is mixed.
There is good supporting evidence for the following foods and food groups in reducing systemic inflammation.
Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring)
Rich in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which have well-replicated anti-inflammatory effects; the NHS recommends two portions of fish per week, one of which should be oily.
Vegetables and fruit
High intake of a variety of colourful vegetables and fruit is consistently associated with lower inflammatory markers in large population studies, likely due to fibre, polyphenols, and antioxidants acting together.
Wholegrains (oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice)
Wholegrains support a healthy gut microbiome and are associated with lower CRP in prospective studies, with soluble fibre thought to play a key role.
Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas)
High in fibre and plant protein; regular legume consumption is linked to modest reductions in CRP in randomised trials and aligns with UK dietary guidelines.
Extra virgin olive oil
The primary fat source in Mediterranean-style diets, which have the strongest overall dietary evidence for reducing cardiovascular inflammation; contains oleocanthal, a compound with demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties.
Nuts (particularly walnuts)
Regular nut consumption is associated with lower CRP in meta-analyses; walnuts have a favourable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio relative to other nuts and are a practical everyday addition.
Track your own hs-CRP
Upload a lab PDF and Better Days trends hs-CRP over time, flags it when it drifts, and suggests foods that help.
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Sources & further reading
These are reputable UK health resources for further reading. This page is written to be consistent with their guidance but is not a substitute for them.
For information only — not medical advice, and not individually reviewed by a clinician. Reference ranges vary by lab and individual. Discuss any results with a qualified clinician before making changes.