Use

hs‑CRP is a highly sensitive measurement of C‑reactive protein, an acute‑phase reactant protein that increases in response to inflammation. In large epidemiologic studies, elevated levels of CRP have been shown to be a strong indicator of cardiovascular disease; patients with high CRP have a 1.5–2.0× increased risk of developing subsequent atherosclerotic disease compared with patients with low CRP levels. Lowering hs‑CRP, independent of lipid levels, has been demonstrated to result in a ~15% risk reduction of recurrent cardiovascular events. This assay therefore supports cardiovascular risk stratification and management decisions. (Quest CVD test descriptions)