In 2002, the AHA and CDC recommended measurement of hs-CRP as an aid in the diagnosis and treatment of CVD. At low levels, it can detect those at risk for cardiac heart disease. At high levels in those with no history of heart disease, it indicates a high risk for AMI, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease. For patients with ACS or stable coronary disease, hs-CRP is used to predict future coronary events.
Nephelometry and immunoturbidimetric measurement methods provide lower limits needed for hs-CRP assays. Due to variation in results among clinical laboratories, work is underway for standardization of measurements.
Ranges of hs-CRP in prediction of risk for CVD are:
- <1.0 mg/L Low CVD risk
- 1.0-3.0 mg/L Average risk for CVD
- >3.0 mg/L High risk for future CVD
If results are >10.0 mg/L, the patient should be evaluated for an acute inflammatory condition.
