A "good" ESR level depends on your age and sex. Generally, a normal ESR is below 15 mm/hr for males under 50 years old and below 20 mm/hr for females under 50 years old. Males over 50 years old should have an ESR below 20 mm/hr.
Note: These are just general guidelines, and your doctor will use your specific medical history and symptoms to interpret your ESR results.
Here are some additional factors that can affect your ESR:
- Age: ESR increases gradually with age.
- Pregnancy: ESR is usually higher during pregnancy.
- Inflammation: An elevated ESR often indicates inflammation in the body.
If your ESR is outside the normal range, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a serious medical condition. Your doctor will likely order other tests to determine the cause of an abnormal ESR.
