Optimal CRP is be under 1.0. Anything over 2.5 or 3 is higher than normal...but even the high end of the normal range is problematic. Remember, "normal" doesn't mean healthy.:
"Using the Dade-Behring, Abbott, Beckman, and other assays, CRP levels are ≤0.3 mg/dL in 80%-90%, ≤0.5 mg/dL in 95%, and ≤1.0 mg/dL in 98%-99% of healthy individuals, respectively, but increased CV risk is observed within this "normal" range. The upper limit of normal typically reported by a laboratory is 0.25 mg/dL (2.5 mg/L), but estrogen may increase CRP levels"
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/447167_3
The normal ranges for ESR (sed rate) are below:
Adults (Westergren method):
- Men under 50 years old: less than 15 mm/hr
- Men over 50 years old: less than 20 mm/hr
- Women under 50 years old: less than 20 mm/hr
- Women over 50 years old: less than 30 mm/hr
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003638.htm