A high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) result, often called a "sed rate," indicates that your red blood cells are settling faster than normal in a blood sample. This usually signifies the presence of inflammation in your body. While a high ESR doesn't pinpoint a specific disease, it suggests the presence of an active disease process.
Understanding ESR and High Results
The ESR test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. A higher ESR means the cells settle faster, indicating inflammation. Several factors can cause an elevated ESR, including:
- Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can trigger inflammation, resulting in a higher ESR.
- Inflammation: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease cause chronic inflammation and typically show up as a high ESR.
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, especially those involving inflammation, can lead to elevated ESR levels. For instance, results exceeding 100 mm/hr may hint at an active disease like cancer or vasculitis. (Source)
- Other Conditions: Kidney disease, anemia, pregnancy, and other conditions can also raise ESR levels. Even factors like age and sex can influence ESR results. Older individuals and women tend to have higher ESR levels. (Source)
Example: An ESR result of 120 mm/hr is considered significantly high and warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause. A healthcare provider would typically order additional tests to diagnose the problem.
Important Note: A high ESR alone is not a diagnosis. It's an indicator that requires further evaluation by a doctor to identify the root cause of the inflammation. The healthcare provider will consider the patient's medical history, symptoms, and other test results to reach a diagnosis.
What is considered a high ESR?
There is no single universally accepted value for a "high" ESR. The normal range varies depending on age, sex, and the laboratory performing the test. However, ESR results consistently above the reference range for a given individual are considered high and suggest potential underlying issues. Generally, an ESR exceeding 100 mm/hr is often considered significantly elevated and warrants careful evaluation. (Source) The interpretation of the ESR result must always be considered in the context of the patient's clinical picture.
