Medical Health Encyclopedia

C-reactive protein

However, even in instances of inflammation in rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erthematosus, the CRP levels may not always be elevated. The reason for this is not known at this time. Thus, a low CRP level does not always mean that there is no inflammation present.

Recently, new studies have suggested that CRP may also be elevated in heart attacks. The role of CRP in coronary artery disease remains unclear. It is not known whether it is merely a marker of disease or whether it actually plays a role in causing atherosclerotic disease. Many consider elevated CRP to be a positive risk factor for coronary artery disease.

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