C-reactive protein (CRP) has been in the news of late as a potential precursor for a heart attack.

Out of curiosity, has anyone had theirs measured by their physician?

 

Jerry:

I understand that elevated C-reactive protein readings can indicate inflamation related to rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune conditions as well. A friend of mine had highly elevated CRP levels due to inflamation in the spine (deteriorating discs in the C4-C6 region), and had surgery to fuse the vertebrae. Apparently, CRP readings can also be used to screen for coronary heart disease and possible heart attack symptoms as you mentioned.

I recently had the blood work done for my annual physical. I'm going to check my CRP levels with the physician at the time of the physical (in a couple weeks). I've already had quadruple bypass surgery (4

 

Gee, Rick's doc must be way ahead of the curve. He checked that on Rick years ago.

At the time Rick's cholesterol was elevated and he was having trouble with the meds.

His levels were fine, in spite of his cholesterol issues, which, I believe means that cholesterol does not "tell all". Some folks with low cholesterol have heart attacks too, just as some with high cholesterol don't.

 

I think cholesterol in and of itself is not problem but a contributing factor only.
Doctors are following the breadcrumbs and I think CRP is another breadcrumb leading to the cause.

I have to follow up with my Doc.

 

^^

My cholesterol was always well below the recommended levels, but my arteries were still clogging (one was clogged ~95%). Heredity and stress took me down even though I was eating right and exercising regularly. My heart was building ancillary arteries to accomodate the load on my heart during exercise, so I didn't know how close I was to having a heart attack.

 

My C reactive protein was checked on June 16th, along with other tests, when my doctor was looking for blood level indicators of rheumatoid arthritis. I had a level of 8.2. It can be a marker of inflammation in RA.

I think the clincher for RA was the cyclic citrullinate peptide (CCP) test. Results could be: Moderate positive: 40-59, Strong positive: 60 or greater. I had 90.

 

I've had this checked for awhile too due to family history issues. It is one of many indicators for heart disease. If you have cardiac issues, go to the Cleveland Clinic. They are the best in the world. Ask the shieks who rent the whole floors of the heart center.

 

I get it checked every year when they do my annual blood work.