Inflammation, explained
CRP and hs-CRP, ESR, fibrinogen, homocysteine. Inflammation changes how other values should be read — so we read it first.
Three things we do that a printed range doesn’t
Ranges change with both. We use the set for you — 26 range sets in total.
Values change each other’s meaning. We show the links, not just the list.
AHA / CDC, ESAIC, Refsum et al. (Hordaland Homocysteine Study), Surviving Sepsis Campaign. Organisation, document, year.
hs-CRP — the ranges we use
AHA/CDC + ESC: persistently elevated is associated with cardiac risk; transiently high during infection.
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Good | below 1 mg/L | There is no underlying inflammation — this protects your blood vessels and slows aging. |
| Worth improving | 1 – 3 mg/L | Moderate inflammation (1–3) — often manageable with habits. |
| Talk to a doctor | 3 mg/L and above | Elevated inflammation (>3) — find the source; seek advice. |
Articles in this guide
- High ESR (sedimentation rate): what it means, normal range and ESR vs CRPMarker explained
- How to lower inflammation (hs-CRP): an action planHow to improve
- Albumin blood test: what low or high albumin meansMarker explained
- Biological age: what it is and how to slow it downSupplements & longevity
- Blood biomarkers of metabolic health: what to measure and whyMetabolic health
- Blood chemistry tests: normal values for ALT, AST, GGT, CRP, CK, creatinine and glucoseReading your report
- ChatGPT prompt for blood test results: a safe template and what to checkReading your report
- Fatigue: which blood tests explain it — and which don'tSymptom → test
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
Good to know
CRP 12 — infection or something else?
Upload your report and you’ll see the answer for your exact value, age and sex — with the source of the range. In general: one value outside the printed range is rarely an emergency; the pattern and the trend matter more.
Do I need a new test?
No. Upload the one you already have. If a re-test is useful, the plan tells you when.
Is this a diagnosis?
No. It is an explanation to help you and your doctor. When a value needs a doctor, we say so.