Sometimes, when we go to the doctor, he tells us that we have a level of a certain element higher or lower than normal and prescribes some medication. Sometimes, we are not told what what he has just told us means, perhaps out of habit and due to issues of speed in the agenda, or perhaps because it is not considered relevant. However, it is natural to want to know what what happens to us means, in addition to following their directions. One of the elements that the doctor can tell us that we are high for the established normal values is c-reactive protein, which we may not know. Therefore, in this oneHOWTO article you can find out about what it means to have high c-reactive protein, keep reading!
What is C-Reactive Protein
C-reactive protein It is produced naturally by our liver, in relation to some inflammation present in our body. If there is severe inflammation, the levels of C-reactive protein rise, as happens with other proteins belonging to the group “acute phase reactants”; all of this group increase by response to inflammation. C-reactive protein is not a clear indicator of what is happening in the body, but rather an indicator that something is wrong and other tests may be needed.
How C-Reactive Protein Levels Are Known
To detect its presence and check its level we must do a blood test. Depending on its result, we will be facing an internal inflammation or not. It is important to note that knowing the result does not tell us what type of inflammation we have or where in the body, so it is a first step in a possible diagnosis.
One of its uses, which is very practical, is to check if an anti-inflammatory drug is being effective in a patient. The levels are measured before the drug is administered and when it is considered that it should already be working and the result of this test will tell us.
It should be noted that, in some diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, low levels of C-reactive protein are not a guarantee of the absence of inflammation.
The normal levels of c-reactive protein they are between 1.0 mg / L and 3.0 mg / L. Above 3.0 mg / L it is considered that there is a risk of cardiovascular disease.
What It Means To Have High C-Reactive Protein
As we said, the high c-reactive protein indicates inflammation in the body. This can be caused by different diseases such as: heart attack, lupus, pneumococcal pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, rheumatic fever, cancer, connective tissue disease.
Obviously, it is impossible to know if you have any of these diseases without proper diagnosis, so this analysis is only one initial test of the patient’s health status.
It is important to note that high levels of C-reactive protein can be found during the second half of pregnancy, as well as with the use of certain birth control pills.
Can high c-reactive protein be lowered?
For lower high c-reactive protein, what caused the inflammation should go away. For this, once a clear diagnosis has been established, the doctor has to determine a treating the cause of inflammation, that is, a treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs.
As patients, we must comply with the treatment, but we can also collaborate as much as possible to lower this index of c-reactive protein. To do this, we can consume Vitamin E in our diet, through our own food or as a supplement, as well as fish oil. Low-fat diets also help in this, as well as physical exercise. Quitting smoking can also help reduce inflammation. In this way, we will be promoting an optimal state in our body so that the recommended treatment takes effect in the best possible way.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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