While lean protein is known for being a nutritional supplement that can help prevent heart disease, research is finding that a certain protein found in the body may predict an early heart attack or stroke.

A study in the journal Neurology found that those who have high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker in the blood, may want to stick to an alkaline diet and avoid high-protein foods, as high levels of CRP may lead to life threatening health concerns.

People with CRP levels greater than three milligrams per liter were 70 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack, and 55 percent more likely to die earlier than those who had levels of one milligram per liter.

“The role of this protein in predicting risk of stroke has been controversial although prior studies have found it to be a marker for predicting risk of heart disease,” said study author Dr. Mitchell Elkind.

In addition to trying an alkaline diet or , Elkind suggests an all around healthier lifestyle could help decrease these levels.