Abnormal serum c reactive protein level

[CyclistMark]

Hi all, newly on flecainide (3 weeks) so have gone in for first blood tests.

One of the abnormalities is a high CRP reading (15 against a normal range of 5-10). I had an ablation four weeks ago. Although difficult to pin point where the inflammation is, would it be a reasonable bet to assume it’s heart scarring?

I have to wait at least a month to see my doctor to discuss results as she is away for a while.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts

[mjames1]

There can be literally tons of reasons for a high CRP, so I wouldn't focus on heart scarring.

Jim

[CDreamer]

There are a ton of reasons as MrJames says, but it’s also a reasonable to think that it could be something to do with ablation. Are you going to have repeats done? Is it something you track regularly so are familiar with your norm? If you are regular cyclist could it be something to do exercise>

[frazeej]

CRP, as you know, in a marker of inflammation. I would be very surprised if your CRP levels were NOT raised!! Think of what the heart and femoral vein go through for an ablation-it's an incredibly invasive and abusive (by design) procedure! (Imagine your response, say 35 years ago, if a doctor told you they were going to thread this big tube up your leg, into your heart, poke a hole in the septum between chambers, and go around the heart and selectively burn or freeze some areas!!).

You've mentioned there may be other abnormalities in your bloodwork-I wouldn't be surprised if your sedimentation rate is also elevated (another inflammation marker), and possibly also your LDH (lactic dehydrogenase-an enzyme released from muscle destruction). I doubt they did a Troponin test (specific marker for cardiac muscle damage), but I would also expect to see a rise there.

I would guess that if you spoke to your doctor right now, he would reassure you.

[wilsond]

Just posted today, apparently sunflower hearts are excellent for reducing this . X