Collection: Inflammation Blood Tests

Standard CRP detects acute inflammation from infection or injury. High-sensitivity CRP measures much lower levels of chronic low-grade inflammation — the kind associated with cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, and metabolic disease. For cardiovascular risk assessment, hs-CRP is the appropriate test.

Chronic inflammation is driven by excess visceral fat, poor diet high in refined carbohydrates and processed foods, chronic stress, poor sleep, smoking, gut dysbiosis, and underlying autoimmune or metabolic conditions. All are modifiable with targeted lifestyle intervention.

Yes significantly. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in oily fish, olive oil, colourful vegetables, berries, and whole foods while minimising refined sugars and ultra-processed foods measurably reduces CRP and other inflammatory markers within weeks. The Mediterranean dietary pattern has the strongest evidence base.

Persistent elevated inflammation accelerates atherosclerosis, promotes insulin resistance, degrades joint tissue, impairs brain function, and drives cellular ageing. It is now recognised as a fundamental underlying mechanism in most chronic diseases and a cornerstone of preventive health to manage.