New Lifesaving Foods: The Anti-Inflammation Diet

Are You at Risk?

One way to tell is to get a high-sensitivity c-reactive protein test (hs-CRP). CRP is a compound in the body that becomes elevated during inflammation, and this test can give you some idea of your future heart disease risk, according to Harvard research. Not everyone needs to be screened, but you may want to ask your doctor about getting tested if you have a family history of heart disease -- especially if you already have risk factors such as high cholesterol (over 200) or high blood pressure (greater than 140/90). Some other health conditions may raise your risk of inflammation, so also consider a CRP test if you have insulin resistance, diabetes or an autoimmune disease, says Lisa M. Davis, PhD.