High C-reactive protein is mostly indicative of infection by pathogens or some damage to the body. C-reactive protein is some of the proteins in plasma that rise sharply when the body is infected or tissue damage. C-reactive protein can activate the complement, strengthen the function of phagocytes, so as to remove pathogenic microorganisms invading the body, as well as damage, necrosis, apoptosis of tissue cells. Therefore, when C-reactive protein is elevated, it is often indicative of infection or tissue damage. Commonly, C-reactive protein can be triggered by acute inflammation or tissue necrosis. For example, C-reactive protein can rise rapidly in a short period of time when undergoing severe traumatic surgeries or acute-phase infections. In acute myocardial infarction, C-reactive protein can also be elevated within 24 to 48 hours. In addition to this, C-reactive protein is also elevated in bacterial infections. Viral infections can also induce an increase in C-reactive protein, but not to a significant degree. C-reactive protein cannot be used alone to diagnose a disease, but should be used in conjunction with the patient’s condition and other tests.