Check CRP Level

Q: My mother died of a heart attack at age 65, and my brother has a coronary stent. I have no symptoms, and my blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal. I read that women should have their CRP level checked to determine whether they are at risk for heart disease. What is CRP? Should I be tested? What is the cost?

A: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein "marker" of inflammation in the blood, produced in response to injury or infection. The role of the inflammation process as it relates to atherosclerosis is being explored. Atherosclerosis is the fatty buildup in the arteries that causes heart disease . Studies have shown that elevated levels of a certain type of CRP, known as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Based on your family history, you should discuss checking your hs-CRP level with your doctor. Measuring levels in people who are at moderate risk of heart disease and stroke may help physicians get a fuller picture of their risk. People at low risk don't need to have their hs-CRP levels monitored. The cost is covered by most insurance companies.

Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., is director of nuclear cardiology and associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University. She’s also a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association.