What can the CRP Entzündung tell you — and what not?

CRP (C-reactive protein) is a well-established biomarker for systemic inflammation. Elevated levels can indicate acute infections, chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or increased cardiovascular risk. However, CRP alone cannot pinpoint the exact cause of inflammation – it is non-specific. Mild elevations can also result from benign factors like stress, smoking, or obesity. CRP cannot distinguish local inflammation (e.g., in a joint) from systemic processes. Moreover, there is no fixed 'normal' threshold; interpretation depends on clinical context. A normal CRP does not rule out inflammation, especially low-grade chronic states. For individual risk assessment, additional markers (e.g., hs-CRP, IL-6) and medical evaluation are necessary. MyBody-X tests provide a single time-point value, not suitable for diagnosis or therapy adjustment without a physician. The evidence for CRP as a risk marker is strong, but its limitations are clear: it is an indicator, not a proof.