A BLOOD MARKER FOR DISEASE
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Adults can receive a blood test for C-reactive
protein (CRP).This protein, which is most commonly
associated with heart disease, becomes elevated when
a person's immune system is over active. Scientific
studies published in major medical journals show
that CRP is among the best predictors of health
because the immune over activity precedes disease.
High levels of CRP can predict the development of
high blood pressure, stroke, sudden cardiac death,
ruptured blood vessel, atrial fibrillation (irregular
heart beat, which can trigger a heart attack) macular
degeneration (a leading cause of blindness), type 2
diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and colon, prostate and
other cancers. Most doctors are aware of the CRP test but
don't order it- probably because the test does not identify
any particular disease.
Ask your doctor for a high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
blood test at your next physical exam. Check it yearly
thereafter. hs-CRP levels elevated above 0.7
milligrams per liter of blood is considered high.
