What does it mean when the complete blood count is normal but the C-reactive protein level is high?

It is common for a routine blood test to appear normal while C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are elevated, which usually indicates the presence of an inflammatory response in the body that is not caused by bacterial infection. C-reactive protein is an acute-phase reactant protein that experiences a sharp increase in plasma concentration when the body encounters infection or tissue damage. A normal routine blood test suggests that indicators such as white blood cell count have not shown significant abnormalities, thus ruling out the possibility of acute bacterial infection. Elevated CRP levels may be caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and other conditions. For example, during the early stages of a viral infection, routine blood parameters may not yet show significant changes, but CRP levels may already be elevated. Rheumatic and immunological disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease, can also lead to increased CRP levels. Therefore, when routine blood tests appear normal but CRP levels are elevated, further comprehensive evaluation incorporating clinical symptoms and additional diagnostic tests is necessary to determine the exact underlying cause and implement appropriate therapeutic interventions.