C-Reactive Protein

For high-sensitivity CRP used to gauge cardiovascular risk, under 1.0 mg/L is low risk, 1.0-3.0 mg/L is average risk, and above 3.0 mg/L is higher risk. A standard (non-high-sensitivity) CRP is used to track infection and inflammation and is usually reported as under about 10 mg/L when normal. A value above 10 mg/L generally reflects acute illness rather than baseline cardiovascular risk.

They measure the same protein, but high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is a more precise assay that can resolve the low values used for cardiovascular risk stratification (the under 1, 1-3, over 3 mg/L tiers). Standard CRP is coarser and is better suited to detecting and following infection or a flare of inflammation. If you are looking at heart-risk numbers, you want the hs-CRP version.

CRP rises with any systemic inflammation: infections, injury, autoimmune flares, obesity, smoking, gum disease, and even a hard workout or recent illness can push it up transiently. Because it is nonspecific, a single high reading is often repeated once you are well and rested to see if it settles. Persistently elevated CRP without an obvious cause is worth investigating with your physician.

Yes. A recent infection, injury, or an unusually hard training session can spike CRP for a few days, which can make a baseline reading look worse than it is. For cardiovascular risk assessment, hs-CRP is best measured when you are healthy and not in the days right after intense exercise or illness. On TRT, CRP often drifts down over time as body fat and metabolic health improve.