What counts as high CRP?
Standard labs report CRP in mg/L. As a rough guide: under 5 is normal; 5–10 is mildly raised and often non-specific; 10–40 suggests active inflammation or a viral infection; and higher levels point towards significant bacterial infection or a major inflammatory process. A single reading of 6 or 7 in a well person rarely means anything worrying.
What does a CRP of 5–10 mean?
This grey zone is common and frequently harmless. Everyday explanations include a recent or brewing minor infection, a recent injury or intense exercise, gum disease, smoking, and simply carrying excess body fat — adipose tissue produces low-grade inflammation that nudges CRP up. The useful move is to repeat it a few weeks later when you feel completely well: if it has settled, the earlier reading was transient.
What is hs-CRP and what does it say about heart risk?
High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) measures the very low end precisely, and it is used as a cardiovascular risk marker. Broadly, under 1 mg/L is lower risk, 1–3 average, and over 3 higher — read alongside cholesterol and blood pressure rather than alone. This is only meaningful when you are well; an acute illness swamps the signal.
CRP vs ESR — what's the difference?
Both track inflammation, but on different clocks. CRP rises and falls within hours to days, so it reflects what is happening now. ESR changes over days to weeks, so it reflects a slower, more sustained picture — and it drifts up naturally with age and is higher in women. Doctors often read them together: CRP for the acute snapshot, ESR for the longer trend.
Recheck your CRP when well
A high-sensitivity CRP repeated when you are symptom-free shows whether inflammation has settled — and gives a cardiovascular risk read-out.
Book this testWhat should I do next?
- If mildly raised and you were unwell, repeat when symptom-free in 2–4 weeks.
- Read hs-CRP alongside cholesterol and blood pressure for heart-risk context.
- If persistently raised with no explanation, or with symptoms, see a doctor.
Recheck your CRP when well
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Specialist interest: Cardiovascular Medicine · OneMedicine, CQC-registered clinic