Most common causes of a high CRP
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. A raised CRP level indicates inflammation, which can be caused by various conditions. Here are some common causes of a raised CRP.
Infection
-
Bacterial infection: e.g. Pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI), tuberculosis, and sepsis
-
Viral infection: Influenza, COVID-19, and many other viral infections.
Inflammatory conditions
-
Rheumatoid arthritis
-
Lupus: A chronic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs (can be low in active lupus)
-
Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels
- Other autoimmune disorders: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.
Cardiovascular conditions
-
Heart attack: Myocardial infarction
-
Stroke: Ischaemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
Other conditions
-
Cancer: Some types of cancer, such as lymphoma, leukaemia, and lung cancer
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – i.e. Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis
-
Surgical procedures: Recent surgery or trauma
-
Chronic diseases: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), liver disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Other factors
-
Smoking
-
Obesity
-
Physical inactivity
-
Age: CRP levels tend to increase with age.
It’s essential to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause of a raised CRP level. They will perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and may order additional tests to diagnose the underlying condition.
