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C-Reactive Protein

By , About.com Guide

Updated: September 25, 2008

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Definition: C-reactive protein, or CRP, is a protein released during injury and inflammation, or in some chronic conditions, such as arthritis.

C-reactive protein serves as a marker for heart disease risk. It may be able to detect the risk of a heart attack and stroke in individuals who even have low to normal cholesterol levels.

Also Known As: CRP, hs-CRP, high sensitivity C-reactive protein
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