Addressing Your Risk Factors
It is not known now much it helps to take steps aimed specifically at reducing your CRP levels.
Likewise, it is uncertain whether treatment aimed specifically at lowering CRP levels can reduce cardiovascular risk.
That aside, knowing your CRP levels are elevated should encourage you to take every opportunity to reduce your risk of heart disease.
Elevated CRP levels are almost always associated with other risk factors for heart disease, including:
- Smoking
Talk to your healthcare provider about your heart disease risk factors and what can be done to address them and your CRP levels.
This may involve habit changes, weight loss efforts, and/or medication.
Also Check: What Protein Powder Can Be Bought With Food Stamps
What Are The Risk Factors For High Levels Of C
Heart disease has an inflammatory component, which may be linked to high C-reactive protein levels. However, based on the current available data it cannot be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Based on the review of the published data, the CDC and the American Heart Association have recommended the following guidelines for assessment of cardiovascular disease risk:
- CRP levels of 1 mg per liter or lower are considered low risk for cardiovascular disease.
- CRP levels of 1-3 mg per liter are considered moderate risk for cardiovascular disease.
- CRP levels greater than 3 mg per liter are considered high risk for cardiovascular disease.
- CRP levels greater than 10 mg per liter may suggest an acute coronary process, such as heart attack .
The known risk factors for cardiovascular disease are:
This may be possibly related to ongoing inflammatory atherosclerosis in these individuals because of their risk factors.
Despite these associations, research has not clearly and consistently established c-reactive protein as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as the data seem to be inconsistent from different studies. It has been proposed that elevated c-reactive protein is an independent predictor of atherosclerosis among healthy men and women.
Recommended Reading: Can You Buy Pedialyte With Food Stamps
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test evaluates how much inflammation is present in your body. The test measures how quickly your red blood cells, called erythrocytes, separate from your other blood cells in a lab when they are treated with a substance that prevents clotting.
Red blood cells clump together when theres inflammation in your body, making them separate from your other blood cells much faster. Low ESR levels indicate low levels of inflammation while high ESR results indicate high levels of inflammation.
Doctors use this test to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis because this condition causes inflammation throughout your body. An ESR test on its own, however, is not enough to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
Inflammation and a rise in ESR levels can be caused by other chronic conditions, and by infections or injuries. However, your ESR rate can help point doctors in the right direction. For example, very elevated ESR levels would likely indicate an infection and not rheumatoid arthritis.
Read Also: Is Ra Painful
Getting Tested For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Testing for rheumatoid arthritis is ordered by a doctor or specialist if indicated by a patients symptoms. Blood and urine samples used for testing can be obtained in a doctors office or other medical setting.
Synovial fluid is a liquid that is located in spaces between a persons joints, helping to cushion ends of bones and reduce friction during movement. For a synovial fluid analysis, a sample of synovial fluid is obtained during a procedure called a joint aspiration or arthrocentesis. During a joint aspiration, a doctor uses a needle to withdraw a sample of synovial fluid from a joint.
What Does A High Crp Mean
A high C-Reactive Protein level in the blood is usually a sign of inflammation or bacterial infection because CRP is one of the most sensitive acute-phase reactants.
Elevated serum concentration of CRP is an unequivocal evidence of an active tissue damage process, but it is a nonspecific test that indicates only an inflammation.
CRP can increase dramatically in case of severe trauma, bacterial infection, inflammation, surgery, or neoplastic proliferation.
A high CRP may be a sign of the following diseases:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases .
- Chronic inflammatory diseases .
- Bacterial infections .
Since CRP production is a non-specific response to tissue injury, it is recommended that results of the test should be correlated with clinical findings to arrive at the final diagnosis.
A high CRP value in a blood test means:
You May Like: Rheumatoid Arthritis In Arms
Data Reduction And Analysis
SBP, DBP, and pulse rate measurements during baseline, task, and recovery were each averaged to yield a mean baseline, task, and recovery value. Analysis of variance and 2 were used to compare the demographic and other characteristics of the two patient groups . Patients with RA were older than patients with OA, F=5.63, p< 0.05, 2=0.162, and were less likely to be in paid employment, 2 =11.98, p< 0.01. Given the age difference between the patient groups, two group analyses of covariance , with age as the covariate, were performed on the baseline physiological data. The effects of the acute stress task were examined using separate group × period repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance , with age as the covariate. A measure of effect size is reported throughout and, where appropriate, Newman-Keuls post hoc analyses were conducted. Occasional missing data are reflected in variations in the degrees of freedom.
Mean age adjusted baseline measures for patients with RA and OA
What Elevated Crp Levels Mean
When CRP levels remain elevated for a long time, it can be an indication that chronic inflammation of the blood vessels is present.
This type of low-grade inflammation contributes to the deposit of fat and other substances in the artery walls, a condition called atherosclerosis.
This build-up can narrow the arteries that feed the heart blood, causing coronary artery disease . Over time, heart attack, stroke, or heart failure can occur.
This is true even for those with elevated CRP levels who have no obvious signs of active inflammation.
It is now well-established that inflammation is an important contributor to atherosclerosis. Elevated CRP is also firmly associated with an increased risk of CAD.
What is not known is whether CRP itself actually contributes to CAD directly.
Read Also: What Can I Take For Arthritis Pain In My Hands
Ra Blood Tests: What Lab Tests Show Rheumatoid Arthritis
To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis there is no one test that can on its own reach a diagnosis. Instead, there are a number of criteria that must be established in order to reach a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.
As part of the criteria for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, doctors will order multiple blood tests. These blood tests look for specific indicators that support the possibility that the patient could have rheumatoid arthritis.
High Crp Indicates Inflammation
A CRP positive result is a reliable indicator that shows the patients increased likelihood to have a stroke or heart attack. In other cases, it is also an indicator of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and infections. Serious diseases that may be traced by a CRP test include cancer, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. Most importantly, high CRP will indicate inflammation that is symptomatic of an autoimmune disease like polymyalgia rheumatica.
A CRP test does not require special preparation. The nurse just draws blood from the inside of the elbow or from the back of our hand. A CRP test is measured in milligrams of CRP per liter of blood.
Negative C-reactive protein in the blood means you have normal CRP levels. A level just a bit above normal CRP is interpreted as minimal inflammation of the body. A high CRP level is indicates otherwise.
A CRP level higher than 3.0 mg per liter means that the patient is suffering from chronic inflammation. But this result will need supporting tests to identify what kind of autoimmune disease the patient is suffering from.
Read Also: Can You Get Rid Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Comparison Of Subjects Characteristics By Sex
One-hundred ninety-six subjects were studied. The characteristics of the subjects at baseline are summarized in Table 1. Compared with male subjects, female subjects had significantly higher swollen joint counts, tender joint counts, HAQ scores, and total joint deformity. The median levels of CRP did not differ significantly between the sexes. More female subjects than male subjects were receiving treatment with biologic DMARDs however, current use of glucocorticoids and nonbiologic DMARDs did not differ by sex. Although the mean BMI and the distribution of subjects among the 3 BMI categories did not differ by sex, female subjects had significantly higher total fat mass and a significantly higher body fat percentage compared with male subjects. Despite these differences, the truncal fat mass did not differ significantly between the sexes.
Youll Likely Get This Blood Test If Your Doctor Suspects You Have An Autoimmune Inflammatory Disease
Theres no single test that can give a definitive diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune arthritis. In addition to blood tests that measure inflammation, such as the CRP test, and antibodies, rheumatologists look at factors like physical symptoms and imaging, such as X-rays and MRIs. Doctors put these factors together to make a clinical diagnosis, which means they look at the big picture of the disease, rather than a relying on a single test result.
The C-reactive protein test is one of many blood tests your doctor might order for to help make your diagnosis and throughout your treatment. Heres what the CRP blood test can and cant reveal about your condition.
Don’t Miss: Ra Shoulder Pain
Why Are Crp Levels Important To Ra
The body produces C-reactive protein in response to inflammation. Since inflammation is the main cause of RA symptoms, CRP is one of the markers that can be tested to see if an RA diagnosis is likely.
CRP may be produced in response to another protein agent called interleukin-6 . Interleukin-6 is one of the proteins produced when the immune response from RA starts to attack the joints. These proteins, which belong to a category called cytokines, are typically produced in response to acute injury or infection. But if normal tissue is believed to be an invader, the immune system will produce cytokines to attack it.
Sed Rate For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Blood tests for C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate can help physicians check the severity of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, the researchers said. Previous studies have suggested that obese.
Rheumatoid arthritis . acute phase reactants: 1 point for elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR, or elevated CRP value
Read about 12 rheumatoid arthritis . Lung infections are more common with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid. .
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is more sensitive than serum C-reactive protein at detecting changes in rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and may have.
Obesity May Make Rheumatoid Arthritis Tough to Spot, Track Blood tests for C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate can help physicians check the severity of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, the researchers said. Previous studies have suggested that obese.
Blood Tests to Diagnose Arthritis. In this. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, Both CRP and ESR levels are used to monitor disease activity and to monitor.
Blood tests for C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate can help physicians check the severity of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, the researchers said. Previous studies have suggested that obese.
Find A Once Daily Oral Rx Treatment Option For Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Question: What is erythrocyte sedimentation rate and how is it used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?.
Also Check: Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Back Pain
How Do Doctors Use The Crp Test To Monitor Your Disease
As rheumatologists follow a patients progress through treatment, inflammation levels can tell them how active the disease is. The CRP gives you something to follow to see if the inflammation is high, says Dr. Kaplan. During flare-ups, CRP will be higher, so its a good gauge of whether your current treatment regimen is effective.
Clinical And Laboratory Measurements
All clinical characteristics of RA were documented .
A clinical evaluation was performed measuring height and weight, blood pressure , DAS28 , VAS of pain , physician’s global assessment of disease activity and Stanford HAQ .
Blood samples were taken for full blood count, urea electrolytes and liver function tests, CRP and plasma viscosity .
Don’t Miss: How Early Can You Get Arthritis
Blood Sample Collection Process And Data Collection Procedure
Measurement of C-reactive protein was conducted after the overnight fasting condition to avoid misinterpretation of laboratory investigation. The procedure of laboratory investigation includes the collection of an appropriate level of blood, centrifugation at 3500 revolutions per minute and finally preservation of sample until biochemical parameter analysis was done. On the other hand, well-structured open-ended questionnaire was utilized to assess the associated risk factors in RA patients. Data were collected by using data collectors with one supervisor. One-day training was provided for data collectors and supervisor on research methodology, data collection technique, ethical issues. The questionnaire was checked for completeness, and the overall data collection processes were monitored by the principal investigator.
Haemodynamic Reactions To Stress
Figures 3B, C, and D present the summary age adjusted data for blood pressure and pulse rate. Significant period effects were found for SBP, F=11.30, p< 0.001, 2=0.465, DBP, F=4.89, p< 0.05, 2=0.273, and pulse rate, F=24.98, p< 0.001, 2=0.658. Blood pressure and pulse rate increased from baseline to task and returned to basal levels during recovery. No group or group × period interaction effects were found.
Read Also: How To Treat Swollen Joints In Fingers
Stages Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA is a condition that tends to worsen over time, progressing through specific stages. There is no exact timeline for disease progression. With newer, more potent treatments, progression timetables have drastically changed over the past few decades.
RA will progress in stages. The stages of RA are:
- Early-stage, or stage 1: At this stage, you feel joint pain, stiffness, and swelling because the lining of the joints is inflamed. There is no joint or bone damage at this early stage.
- Moderate-stage, or stage 2: In this stage, inflammation of the synovium starts to damage cartilagethe tissue that covers the bone where it meets the joints. It acts as a protective cushion between bones and joints. Cartilage damage can cause pain, loss of mobility, and reduced range of motion in affected joints.
- Severe-stage, or stage 3: At this stage, RA becomes severe, and damage affects cartilage and bone. With the cushion worn away, the bone starts to rub against bone, leading to bone-on-bone pain. Bones and joints can become damaged, deformity might occur, and some people may experience muscle weakness and loss of mobility.
- End-stage, or stage 4: At this stage, joints no longer work because they are damaged and deformed. There might be severe pain, swelling, and loss of mobility.
Why Look At Rheumatoid Arthritis Crp Levels
C-reactive protein, commonly called CRP, is a protein that can be produced by the liver in response to other immune activity, especially the increase of IL-6. CRP can rise quickly in response to many inflammatory conditions such as infections or injury, helping clear out dying cells or bacteria.
Blood tests for CRP measure the amount of this protein in the blood. An increased CRP level is an indication of inflammation somewhere in the body. Also, remember that disease activity such as damage or pain is not necessarily linked to inflammation markers .
You might also like to read:
Also Check: Arthritis Remedies Hands
Other Blood Tests For Ra
Since CRP measurement is not the only indicator of RA, and normal CRP levels can be found in those with RA, other blood tests may be ordered at the same time if RA is suspected. Two other biomarkers erythrocyte sedimentation rate and rheumatoid factor are usually checked along with CRP.
RF tests measure a different kind of protein, and high levels of this protein are also a sign a person may have RA. ESR tests are another measure of inflammation. ESR is a less sensitive test than CRP and is not as useful a diagnostic marker, but since its easy to test for, its usually run at the same time as CRP. If all three levels are elevated, this is a stronger indication of RA although it is not definitive.
One myRAteam member told another about their test results: If plus your RF was positive, thats pretty strong evidence of definite RA. Even if all three levels are at normal rates, a diagnosis of RA can still be made if other symptoms are present. Conversely, elevated levels of all three do not mean a person has RA. Another member wrote, Just for the record, blood tests for RA are only part of the diagnosis puzzle. They are never enough alone to diagnose RA. Some folks actually have high RF levels, high anti-CCP, high CRP, and high ESR level, and definitely do NOT have RA.
Lab tests, therefore, are only one part of how RA is diagnosed.
Do you have questions about CRP levels? What was your path to RA diagnosis? Comment below or start a conversation on myRAteam.
Reaching A Ra Diagnosis
Once all of these steps have been conducted, doctors will look at all of the test results and reach a conclusion based on the overall picture. Some doctors take a more symptom based approach to diagnosing RA while others rely on blood tests and medical history to confirm a RA diagnosis.
This is why its possible to be diagnosed with RA but not test positive for antibodies or have a medical history of RA in your family. If the symptoms themselves are consistent with RA, then it can still be diagnosed.
That being said, the main criteria for diagnosing RA do not change. The patient must exhibit symptoms for greater than six weeks, symmetrical symptoms, as well as multiple joints being affected including fingers and hands.
You May Like: Pain Relief For Arthritis In Hands