Cardiovascular Inflammation: Why Not Just Do a CRP Test?

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Learn how to reduce & reverse arterial plaque:
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ABOUT THIS VIDEO: C reactive protein (CRP) is one of the common inflammation markers. However, unlike other docs, I don't recommend using the C reactive protein test alone as an inflammation test. Know why by watching this video.
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ABOUT DR. BREWER
Dr. Brewer started as an Emergency Doctor. After seeing too many preventable heart attacks, he went to Johns Hopkins to learn Preventive Medicine. While there, he went on the run the post-graduate training program (residency) in Preventive Medicine. From there, he made a career of practicing and managing preventive medicine and primary care clinics. His later role in this area was Chief Medical Officer for Premise, which has close to 1,000 primary care/prevention clinics. He was also the Chief Medical Officer for MDLIVE, the second largest telemedicine company. More recently, he founded PrevMed, a heart attack, and stroke prevention clinic.

At PrevMed, we focus on heart attack, stroke, and cognitive decline. We serve patients who have already experienced an event as well as those who have not developed a diagnosis or event. Dr. Brewer provides services via telemedicine or in person if you're in the Lexington, KY area. We find a lot of undiagnosed prediabetes or insulin resistance. Treating unrecognized risk factors like prediabetes allows reduction of risk and prevention of disease.

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[poleag]

I'm glad that you talked about the variability of the CRP and cholesterol test values. There is an engineer named Dave Feldman who has demonstrated that people can swing their cholesterol numbers 50-100 points depending on what they eat and how long they fast. It's clear that we can't rely on one test at one time.

[Radnally]

Your analysis sets you apart. Great work. Thanks

[OldAlabamaGardener]

That is why just one CRP test isn't enough. As you said, CRP fluctuates over time depending on what is going on in our body. In addition there are other tests that help to know more about what is going on with our inflammation level. Thanks Dr. Brewer for another important video.
OAG

[johnbenda]

First I want to thank you Dr. Brewer for all your great information and guidance you provide. My most recent CRP test score was 21. I started to freak out. But after watching this and other of your video’s I’m a little less worried, but still concerned. I do have server arthritis in my left hip and gout in my right foot that I’m hoping is contributing to my CRP score. I’m 57 years old and a BMI of 47. Current weight is 355. I started a low carb diet Jan 2019 and have drop close to 150 lbs. I’m pretty sure I have some damage in my cardiovascular system. I did arrange on my own a OGTT and the numbers were good. I asked my doctor of a fasting insulin test but was told I don’t need it because my fasting sugar and A1C numbers of always been ok. I’ll be working on getting my insulin tested on my own.

[wadetaylor]

After watching your videos on LP(a) and Inflammation, I took a closer look at my recent lab tests and discovered I wasn't even tested for either of those. My wife and I have different doctors but both scoffed at our OGTT request (as you said they would). My wife's doc even said OGTT is for pregnant women. Like you say doc, we have to be proactive about our health. "Beam me up Scotty"!

[abc_cba]

One of the most crucial biomarker tests that most doctors don't use on their patients. I wish I knew about it before my mom passed away. She could be saved long back. Being unaware of medical science and technology is a curse !

Thank you Dr. Brewer for coming up with this video. You're actually receiving countless blessings from your supporters world over for your contribution to educate people and help us know about health in the most comprehensive yet simplistic way by letting us know the facts and research in just some minutes of span.

I wish you do a video on kidney health and how it relates to heart health in the days to come. Thank you.

Also, do a video on Metformin being studied for carcinogenic substances recently. Many people are on it as drug for longevity including Dr. Sinclair.

[jameskantor]

When should I ask my family doctor to to a CRP test? Should I ask as part of my regular annual exam?

[geopietro]

Dr. Brewer, thank you for another insightful and practical video. The point you make about the variability of CRP test results is important. I wonder if there's enough grist for the mill to do a video about how to prepare for blood tests, e.g. what supplements to discontinue (and for how long) prior to blood draws. Some supplements (like nicotinic acid) may elevate liver activity (but not toxicity) and if not discontinued some time (5 days or so) prior to blood draw, may lead to an erroneous conclusion about liver health. Thank you again.

[uiop]

my hsCRP was 3.3, which surprised me. Usually I have good inflammatory reference levels. I need the reminder that it's a snapshot in time, like cholesterol testing.

[romari]

C Reactive Protein is a Complement Protein of the immune system. So numerous factors that can stimulate complement release can increase C Reactive.
Cholesterol is also not a great measure since half of people who get a heart attack have normal lipid profiles.
This far the best lab test to help predict Rick for a heart attack - myocardial infarction - is the CT scan for cardiac calcium.

[kellyclover]

I've become painfully aware of the limitations of the CRP test. I tested at 0.7 (very good) at the same time substantial arterial inflammation and artery calcification was occurring. In spite of rapid development of artery deposits, the microalbumin/creatinine ratio wasn't showing much of a problem either. But the Lp-PLA2 tests and the cardiac coronary artery scans were both showing a big issue. It might turn out to be that damage to the glycocalyx has been largely blocked in spite of all the arterial deposits that have formed. But that is just a guess at this point.

[jakehayes]

Hi Doc,
Do people ever get false negatives with a hsCRP? Mine has never been > .2

[lubasulpovar]

Thanks Dr Brewer for valuable info video, but I had 3MIs with STENT with N- CRP<0, 1, HLD 120, Trygl-50. What can you say? My cardiologist said-STATIN, nothing else🤔

[LewisDrakePhD]

The CAC Test is essentially an inflammation test. If your arteries are inflamed near the heart then you are probably inflamed in other areas (i.e. the most vulnerable organs)

[tyronekim]

Nice video. I've always wondered whether NSAIDs reduce CRP level. Can NSAIDs reduce cardio-vascular inflation?

[johnbecich]

It's winter, and though I use Nevea etc., wear cotton gloves at night atop creamed hands, one knuckle on one finger persists in looking slightly inflamed. Is this kind of inflammation able to elevate my HSCRP number?? Otherwise, I'm healthy as a kid. (Age 66)

[nbi]

It sounds like the CRP test is very volatile. Although my cardiologist recently gave me an A+ evaluation and the fact that I dropped my A1C from 8.4 to 6.1 the CRP score might be sky high because I have metabolic syndrome and am recovering from diverticulitis. If the CRP test is easily derailed by numerous physiological conditions and ailments then its usefulness comes into question.

[christineczyryca]

So don't get tested when you have a sore throat. Don't get a flu shot.