What you need to know about CRP—and simple ways to reduce it

Did you know that you may be able to reduce your blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP)—a possible indicator of heart disease risk—by adding a few servings of fiber-filled beans to your menu each week?

CRP is a blood marker that indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. Inflammation occurs in response to harm, such as from an injury, bacterial infection, cancer, heart disease, or an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis.

CRP and heart disease

Several studies have shown that a high level of CRP is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. In fact, the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assign cardiovascular risk groupings (whether high, medium, or low) to certain patients based on a type of testing called high-sensitivity CRP, or hsCRP.

Cardiovascular disease is linked to inflammation of the arteries. But it’s unclear whether CRP levels alone can predict cardiovascular disease. That’s because CRP is nonspecific, meaning CRP blood levels only indicate the presence of inflammation. They don’t necessarily describe where it’s located in the body.

What’s a normal CRP level?

If you get your CRP levels tested, your healthcare provider will tell you if your levels are in a normal range or too high. Typically, CRP ranges are grouped as follows:

• Normal: less than 0.3 mg/dL. Many adults have a CRP level that falls within this range.
• Slightly elevated: 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL. People with depression, diabetes, minor infections, or those who smoke, are obese, or are pregnant may have CRP levels that fall within this range. People with CRP levels under 1.0 mg/dL are considered at low risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Moderately elevated: 1.0 to 10.0 mg/dL. People with autoimmune diseases, pancreatitis, cancers, bronchitis, or those who have had a heart attack may have CRP levels that fall within this range. Levels between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/dL are assigned a moderate cardiovascular risk grouping and values over 3.0 mg/dL are considered high risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Significantly elevated: 10 to 50 mg/dL. People with viral or bacterial infections or who have experienced major trauma, like being in a serious car accident or fall, may have CRP levels that fall within this range.
• Severely elevated: more than 50 mg/dL. Those with acute bacterial infections may have CRP levels that fall within this range.

While a CRP test cannot identify where inflammation is occurring, knowing your CRP range can give your provider clues as to what the underlying cause may be.

Can you reduce CRP through diet?

Regardless of a CRP test’s ability to indicate a certain disease, eating a high-fiber diet is associated with lower CRP levels and reduced heart disease risk. Most adults don’t get enough fiber. Ask your healthcare provider how much you should aim for each day. It will depend partly on your age, sex, health status, and other factors.

Many foods are high in fiber, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, beans, and legumes. For example, black beans contain 7.5 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup serving, and can be added to soups, salads, and side dishes to boost fiber intake. Including fiber-rich foods like these in your diet can help reduce CRP and improve your overall heart health.