hs-CRP · high result
What does a high hs-CRP mean?
Short answer
hs-CRP measures low-grade inflammation for cardiovascular risk. Below 1 mg/L is low risk, 1–3 average, above 3 high; above 10 mg/L usually means an acute infection, injury or inflammatory condition rather than vascular risk and should be repeated in 2–3 weeks. Obesity, smoking, poor sleep, gum disease and autoimmune disease all raise it.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for hs-CRP?
- age 18+: 0.000 – 3.00 mg/L
Above 3 mg/L suggests higher cardiovascular risk; above 10 mg/L often reflects acute infection or inflammation rather than chronic risk.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: hs-CRP biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high hs-CRP?
- Recent infection, injury or dental work (values >10 mg/L)
- Excess weight, especially abdominal
- Smoking, poor sleep, sedentary lifestyle
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, gum disease
- Metabolic syndrome, diabetes
- Oral estrogens, pregnancy
What symptoms go with high hs-CRP?
- None from the CRP itself
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Repeat in 2–3 weeks when well; the average of two values is used for risk
- Lipid panel, ApoB, A1c for the full cardiovascular picture
- Investigate a persistent value above 10 mg/L for an inflammatory source
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: Lipid Panel ($24.99).
For cardiovascular risk assessment, the AHA/CDC statement recommends averaging two hs-CRP measurements taken at least 2 weeks apart, and skipping the test during an infection, injury, or flare — any acute inflammation pushes CRP up for days and would hide your baseline. Retest once you've been well for at least two weeks.
How do you recheck hs-CRP?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Health Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $99.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
| Autoimmune Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $129.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| Inflammation Panel | Panel · 7 tests | $119.99 | Yes | 2–5 business days |
| Heart & Body Inflammation Test (hs-CRP) | Test | $34.99 | No | 2–4 business days |
Common questions
My hs-CRP is 12. Is my heart at risk?
Above 10 the test is measuring something acute — a cold, dental work, a flare — not vascular risk. Repeat in a few weeks; if it's still above 10, look for an inflammatory cause.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.