The level of C-reactive protein (CRP), which can be measured in your blood, increases when there's inflammation in your body. Your doctor may check your C-reactive protein level for treatment of infections or other medical conditions.A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test, which is more sensitive than a standard test, also can be used to evaluate your risk of developing coronary artery disease, a condition in which the arteries of your heart are narrowed. Coronary artery disease can eventually lead to a heart attack.A simple blood test measures C-reactive protein. Some researchers think that treating people with high C-reactive protein levels will lessen their risk of heart attack or stroke.However, according to the American Heart Association, this test isn't recommended for general screening for heart disease. And it might not be helpful in determining your heart attack risk, depending on your health and lifestyle choices.