Understanding High ESR Levels – Causes, Symptoms & Normal Ranges
Time to read 8 min
Time to read 8 min
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate esr test helps check inflammation in the body. Medical professionals observe the time red blood cells take to settle down at the bottom of the test tube to assess the level of inflammation. A high erythrocyte sedimentation rate value may signify severe medical conditions including autoimmune disease, infections, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and various types of cancer.
The ESR test is a significant indicator of general health as it helps detect and track the progress of inflammation in the body. It can help diagnose various inflammatory conditions and health conditions. Although the ESR test is not a particular diagnosis for any specific disease, it can help figure out further investigations and is usually used to monitor inflammatory diseases and track the success of treatment.
This blog is all about the role of ESR levels, causes, associated symptoms, and what you should know about high ESR levels concerning your overall health, so keep reading.
ESR test means Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate which measures at what speed red blood cells settle down in a blood sample during a standard blood test within a particular timeframe. ESR test indirectly evaluates the specific protein levels that enable the settling down of erythrocytes. These protein levels offer insight into the level of inflammation in your body.
During the ESR test, anticoagulated blood is put in a test tube that is usually narrow and verticle. The red blood cells are noticed, at what speed they settle down at the bottom of the test tube and this speed is measured in millimeters per hour. The faster the RBCs settle down in the bottom, the more likely inflammation exists. The lower ESR values are considered normal however higher ESR values mean increased inflammation, which may include high ESR symptoms and may require high ESR treatment.
Inflammation may affect RBcs in different ways as it can make RBCs clump together, indicating an underlying inflammatory process impacting the rate at which they sink in the test tube. The presence of chronic inflammation or an acute infection may facilitate certain proteins in and around the RBCs making them clump and settle quickly, indicating an immune response.
Typically, an ESR test is a part of routine blood screenings, but your doctor may also recommend it separately. In case your healthcare provider suspects inflammation or infection, they may order the ESR test.
Although this test may not help the healthcare professional detect the exact cause of inflammation, they may recommend further tests to diagnose the precise health condition. If you are already suffering from an inflammatory disease, your healthcare provider may recommend an ESR test as a part of routine screening to check the effectiveness of your current treatment.
Healthcare professionals may recommend the ESR test in combination with other tests to diagnose medical conditions that may cause inflammation:
Your healthcare provider may order an ESR test for monitoring ESR levels in inflammatory diseases and existing health conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Moreover, if you are suffering from certain types of arthritis, certain muscle or connective tissue concerns (polymyalgia rheumatica) your doctor may recommend the ESR test to check the effectiveness of treatment.
The ESR test assesses the distance (mm) between the plasma at the top of the test tube and red blood cells at the bottom of the test tube in one hour duration.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (Sed Rate Test) Normal Range is:
Newborns: 0-2 mm/hour
Children up to puberty age: 2-13 mm/hour
Males up to 50 years of age: 0-15 mm/hour
Males above 50 years of age: 0-20 mm/hour
Females up to 50 years of age: 0-20 mm/hour
Females above 59 years of age: 0-30 mm/hour
The ESR normal range varies depending on the age and gender of an individual and various other factors. The healthcare professionals interpret results considering the overall medical history of the patients and other test results. Slightly higher ESR levels may not be alarming.
The ESR normal range usually varies between males and females and can also be influenced by age. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels in females are high due to certain factors such as hormonal fluctuations, aging, pregnancy, and menstrual cycles. These factors may also increase inflammation and modify blood composition influencing the speed at which red blood cells settle in the test tube.
Various factors may impact the ESR normal range influencing how quickly red blood cells settle down in a blood sample.
What happens if ESR is high? Generally, a high ESR test result means inflammation in the body; however, elevated ESR levels can also be raised because of autoimmune disorders, certain infections, and even cancers. High ESR indicates an active disease process but it is not particular to any one condition and should be interpreted considering other clinical findings.
When your body is infected or suffering from diseases it triggers the fight the infection response of the immune system and increases certain proteins in the body. As these proteins elevate, they cause clumping of red blood cells increasing their setting rate. Thus elevated ESR levels typically suggest that the body is fighting a disease or infection, indicating an elevated ESR and requiring appropriate treatment.
A high ESR generally shows the existence of inflammation in the body. Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate is associated with various health conditions such as infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers, often indicating the immune system's response to these conditions.
Usually, an elevated ESR is not dangerous however it does suggest inflammation in the body. Inflammation can be caused due to various factors such as autoimmune conditions and certain types of cancer.
A high ESR shows the presence of inflammation in the body and it can be caused by various factors such as:
Infections: Many viral, fungal, or bacterial infections can be a cause of high ESR in blood as the immune system is actively fighting against infection.
Inflammatory conditions: Inflammatory disorders such as lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis are among the common high ESR causes.
Chronic diseases: Chronic conditions including TB and certain types of cancer can be the reason for high ESR in blood. These health conditions particularly lymphomas and multiple myeloma increase the production of inflammatory proteins contributing to high ESR levels.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, ESR levels are naturally high due to modified blood compositions and hormonal fluctuations.
ESR is high in females compared to males because of various factors including physiological variances and hormonal fluctuations. Hormonal modifications during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause may affect blood proteins involved in the process of sedimentation, and stress management techniques can also play a role in leading to high ESR levels in women.
High ESR symptoms are usually associated with the underlying medical condition including:
The good part is, that you can manage your high ESR levels. There are different ways to control high ESR as mentioned below:
The very first thing is recognizing the underlying disease or cause for high ESR value. It can be caused by various infections, autoimmune disorders, and other health conditions.
Incorporating exercise or physical activity into your routine offers amazing health benefits including reduced inflammation.
Chronic stress can be a reason for inflammation and high ESR levels. Practice relaxing techniques such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation to manage stress.
Smoking can worsen inflammation across the body and cause high ESR levels. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase inflammation so consume in moderation.
Although dehydration is not associated with inflammation worsening, maintaining hydration can help reduce inflammation.
A nutrition-rich diet is essential for complete well-being and managing your ESR levels. Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet such as berries, broccoli, peppers, almonds, walnuts, and omega-3-rich fish to your diet.
If lifestyle modifications are incapable of managing high ESR, medical treatments can help. Common anti-inflammatory treatment options include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, biological response modifiers, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Consult your healthcare provider for proper guidance and the right treatment depending on your particular condition.
If your ESR test report shows high ESR levels, consult a healthcare professional to identify the cause and determine the right treatment options. Monitoring your ESR levels during the treatment and regular follow-ups with your doctor contribute to effective outcomes.
The ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) is a part of routine blood investigation that evaluates the rate at which red blood cells settle down at the bottom of the test tube. High ESR levels suggest the presence of inflammation in the body or an underlying condition. In the case of women, high ESR can be more concerning as it may indicate various female-specific health problems associated with high ESR symptoms. If your ESR levels are high, it's critical to see a doctor for proper guidance and appropriate treatment. Your doctor may recommend more tests for a better diagnosis.
If your ESR is high, typically it shows inflammation in the body however it does not indicate the specific cause. First, you need to consult a healthcare professional to identify the cause of elevated ESR. They may recommend further testing.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate can be temporarily high due to various reasons, it does not always indicate a serious health condition.
High ESR levels are not always associated with a serious health issue. Generally, ESR is a marker of inflammation and can be high due to many reasons including pregnancy, illness, or infections.
You can lower your ESR levels by reducing inflammation in the body through simple lifestyle changes and recognizing the cause of high ESR.
***Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).
