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CRP, or C-reactive protein
A simple blood test that measures the amount of inflammation in your body. In many ways, CRP is the best “crystal ball” of health ever devised in a single blood test. Elevated CRP levels have been shown to precede and predict heart attack, stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, aneurysms, sudden cardiac death, abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation and even macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.
CRP is a protein made by our immune system that fuels the fire of inflammation in our bodies. The higher your CRP level, the more at risk you are to develop problems. Optimal levels—less than 0.7 milligrams per liter—predict good health.
It’s important to understand that CRP doesn’t diagnose any particular conditions—it’s not specific. It just identifies whether you’re at risk for illness. It’s best to check your CRP during your routine annual physical, when you feel fine. If you’re sick with something, your CRP probably will be elevated.
The good news is that CRP levels can be lowered by exercise, modest weight loss, taking a multivitamin, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and certain medications such as aspirin and statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs).
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Copyright © 2005 Prodental, Inc.
All Rights Reserved • Kirksville, MO USA • Legal Notice
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| Disclaimer: "ProDental compiles with all mandatory state regulations. Cosmetic, whitening and implant dentistry are non-specialty interest areas that require no specific educational training to advertise this service. This provider is not a specialist in orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, or prosthodontics. Conscious sedation is taught as part of post-graduate residency programs approved by the American Dental Association. Dr. Barber has completed an ADA approved program in which conscious sedation is taught." |
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