CRP levels: which range defines high risk for CHD/stroke?

• A. <1.0 mg/L
• B. 1.0-3.0 mg/L
• C. >3.0 mg/L
• D. 0.0 mg/L

Answer: (C)

High-sensitivity CRP is used to gauge cardiovascular risk associated with inflammation. The risk categories are: CRP less than 1.0 mg/L indicates low risk, CRP from 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L indicates average risk, and CRP greater than 3.0 mg/L indicates high risk for CHD and stroke. A value of 0.0 mg/L isn’t a standard clinical category, and an acute inflammatory state can raise CRP quickly, so measurements should be interpreted when inflammation is not acute. Therefore, the range that defines high risk is greater than 3.0 mg/L.