Elevated CRP - anti-inflammatory of choice

My 61 year old Caucasian male patient had 4.3 on C-reactive Protein test for the past 6-8 months.

1. Would aspirin be useful in bringing this inflammation down to safe levels?
2. If aspirin would be effective, what is the lowest (minimum) dose that would be effective?
3. How long could one expect such aspirin therapy to take before it would be effective?
4. If the patient has collagenous colitis, would aspirin be contraindicated? If so, what alternative anti-inflammatory would be a good option (natural remedies or prescription)?

Other information about patient:
This patient also suffers from mild to moderate hypertension and is presently on terazosin 6 mg daily.
Pt has been approximately 6-10 pounds overweight (mostly in abdominal region).
He does mild to moderate exercise 30-60 minutes a day, 7 days a week.

[erijon]

Aspirin is not very effective in reducing inflammation resulting in increased CRP. A stronger NSAID (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug) may be more effective but may not be a good choice as the patient has moderate hypertension and NSAIDS are known to increase blood pressure.

A doctor will need to weigh the benefit to the risk of using a NSAID.

Good luck,

Jon