If you had to pick one test to identify Inflammation... what would it be?

There are many tests to understand inflammation, and we will look at them one by one.

But to start, the most practical marker is hs-CRP (high-sensitivity CRP).

1. What is hs-CRP? It's a protein produced by the liver. It increases when inflammation in the body rises. The "high-sensitivity" version detects even subtle (low-grade) changes.

2. Why is it important? Helps identify chronic low-grade inflammation. Associated with the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver. A marker used in preventive cardiology.

3. How to understand the value? <1 mg/L = Low risk 1–3 mg/L = Moderate risk >3 mg/L = High risk These values are used to understand future cardiovascular risk.

4. Does it provide a diagnosis? No. It is a risk indicator; finding the cause and confirming it is a separate process.

5. When should it be done? Visceral fat Borderline sugar / HbA1c Lipid abnormalities Family history of heart disease Preventive health check

6. How is the test performed? A simple blood test. Fasting is usually not required. Available in any standard lab.

7. How often / when to repeat? One value is not sufficient. It can temporarily increase due to recent infection, fever, or heavy exercise. Therefore, it is appropriate to repeat it in a stable condition to observe the trend.

8. Cost Approximately ₹500–₹800 (varies by lab and city). Useful for preventive screening.

9. What are the limitations? It can also increase due to infection, injury, obesity, smoking, and stress. Therefore, it must be considered in context (clinical picture + other reports).

If hs-CRP is elevated = An inflammatory process is ongoing in the body. But it's not the end; it's an early warning.

Even if the report is normal, risk might have already started, and hs-CRP shows it.

Next post: What causes hs-CRP to rise? The connection of gut, sleep, stress, sugar, and liver with it.