The hs-CRP blood test evaluates a person̢‰s risk of heart disease. There is a direct link between people who have high levels of C-Reactive Protein and increased risk of heart disease. However, it is not known if these CRP levels are the cause or a symptom.

C-reactive protein is produced by the liver. The hs- CRP blood test is sensitive enough to detect very low concentrations of the protein. This is useful for detecting hearth attacks and strokes. The greater the concentration of CRP levels, the higher the risk of heart attacks.

The American Heart Association has set the following guidelines to determine whether your risk of heart disease:

• CRP levels under 1.0 mg/L indicates a low risk of heart disease
• CRP levels between 1.0mg/L and 3.0 mg/L means there is the average risk of heart disease
• Levels above 3.0 mg/L means there is a high risk of heart disease

Doctors who are aware of the correlation between high CRP levels and heart attacks will order the hs-CRP blood test. Because more than half of all heart attacks do not involve people with high-levels of cholesterol, this test is a critical indicator of heart attack risk. The hs-CRP blood test is often taken along with the cholesterol test offered at Health Testing Centers.