CRP is a protein secreted by liver into the circulation. It is named so because it was first identified by its ability to interact with capsular polypeptide of pneumococcus by Tillet and Francis in 1930.
Recent publications have suggested increased risk of hypertension, diabetes and ischaemic heart disease in those with elevated basal levels of CRP. CRP levels more than 2.4mg/L is associated with twice the mortality when compared to those with levels less than 1mg/L. Statins have been shown to reduce CRP levels in those without hyperlipidemia(JUPITER study).