How is crp reported by lab? mine says <2.9. does that mean i'm at moderate risk for heart disease or is the test unable to distinguish values under 3?

It varies: It varies with different labs. If your report said <2.9, that means the lab is unable to detect below 3. If your level is < 2.9, that is low risk and is a very good level. You are doing great.

Use other tools.: Looks like your lab does not discriminate below 3. Unfortunate as risk stratification occurs below this level. However, CRP remains a relatively weak indicator of unknown heart disease and is not recommended as a screening test. Best risk calculator for cardiac risk is the framingham risk calculator. Unless you have some wild history or other risk factor your 10yr risk is probably 1% or less.