What to watch with hsCRP and Sport?

hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is a marker of systemic inflammation that can be useful in sports monitoring, but interpretation requires caution. Acute intense exercise transiently elevates hsCRP, while regular moderate training tends to lower baseline levels, reflecting reduced chronic inflammation. However, hsCRP is non-specific: elevated values may stem from infections, injuries, stress, or underlying conditions. A single measurement is not informative; serial measurements under standardized conditions (fasting, 24–48 h after last hard session) are recommended. Levels >3 mg/L warrant medical evaluation before attributing them to training. Evidence is strong (human studies on exercise and inflammation), but individual variability is large. Genetic variants (e.g., CRP SNPs) have small effects and are not actionable for training decisions. Key takeaway: use hsCRP as a trend marker, not a standalone diagnostic, and always consider clinical context.