Archive · 10 Jan 2026
C-reactive protein better predicts heart disease risk than cholesterol
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
For a long time, doctors used cholesterol levels to predict heart disease risk.
However, recent research shows that a marker called C-reactive protein, which indicates inflammation in the body, is a better predictor.
High levels of C-reactive protein mean there is more inflammation, which can lead to heart disease.
About half of Americans have high levels of this protein.
Doctors now recommend checking both cholesterol and C-reactive protein levels to better understand heart disease risk.
Lifestyle changes like eating healthy foods, exercising, and losing weight can help lower C-reactive protein levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
C-reactive protein is a better predictor of heart disease risk than cholesterol.
High C-reactive protein levels indicate increased inflammation and heart disease risk.
About 52% of Americans have elevated C-reactive protein levels.
Inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of heart disease.
Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and weight loss can reduce C-reactive protein levels.
- Who
- Researchers and the American College of Cardiology.
- What
- C-reactive protein is a better predictor of heart disease risk than cholesterol.
- When
- New recommendations published in September 2025.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- C-reactive protein signals inflammation, which plays a crucial role in heart disease development.
- C-reactive protein
- A biomarker signaling low-grade inflammation, produced by the liver.
- Heart disease risk prediction
- C-reactive protein is a better predictor than cholesterol.
- C-reactive protein levels
- Low: <1 mg/dL (protective), Elevated: >3 mg/dL (increased risk).
- Americans with elevated C-reactive protein
- About 52%.
- Inflammation's role in heart disease
- Crucial in the development and buildup of fatty plaque in arteries.
- Lifestyle factors affecting C-reactive protein
- Diet, weight loss, and exercise can reduce levels.
- Apolipoprotein B
- Measures the number of cholesterol particles, a better predictor than total cholesterol.
- Lipoprotein(a)
- A genetic marker that makes cholesterol particles sticky, increasing heart disease risk.
