Cardiac C - Reactive Protein (hs) Test

The Cardiac C-Reactive Protein Test (hs) is a tool for assessing risk of cardio vascular disease.

A protein present in the blood when certain inflammatory processes are occurring. It is now known that arteriosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries are an inflammatory process that correlates with C-reactive protein, and it is believed to be a good prognosticator of heart disease. The test can help estimate your chance of developing cardiovascular disease, and your risk of having a sudden heart attack. This blood test was redesigned from the traditional C-Reactive Protein test to be sensitive enough to detect chronic low-level inflammation. Test results are independent of cholesterol, family history, and other traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The test can be used in conjunction with traditional tests, such as cholesterol, to determine your risk. Recent illness or tissue injury, and chronic inflammation from arthritis can increase C-RP levels and falsely influence the risk rating for heart disease from this test.

Preparation: No special preparation is needed. Fasting is not required for this blood test. In general, being well hydrated (drinking plenty of water before the blood draw) will help make your veins somewhat easier to locate and access for the blood draw.