Is C-Reactive Protein a Valid Biomarker?

C-reactive protein, an indicator of acute inflammation, is the subject of considerable controversy as an important biomarker of cardiovascular health.

It is important to recognize that CRP levels are not specific to any area of inflammation and that there are many conditions that may cause inflammation and stimulate elevation of circulating CRP several times that above normal. There are also numerous non-inflammatory processes that cause local release and systemic exposure to inflammatory mediato…