Understanding Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
The normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values, measured using the Westergren method, range from 0 to 15 mm per hour for men and from 0 to 20 mm per hour for women. These values may be slightly elevated in older adults. Physicians commonly perform ESR tests, both rapid and slow, to assess the rate of red blood cell sedimentation, which assists in the identification and monitoring of diseases and inflammatory conditions within the body.
Elevated Sedimentation Rate
The ESR test serves as a laboratory tool to evaluate the level of inflammatory activity in the body. It is particularly useful for monitoring the progression of inflammation due to infections, cancer, or autoimmune disorders. However, it is important to note that this test has become less frequently used in recent years, primarily due to the availability of various alternative tests that provide more accurate measurements of inflammatory activity.
More specifically, the ESR test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a thin, graduated test tube over the course of one hour. A higher rate of descent indicates an increased level of inflammation in the body, typically caused by the immune system’s response. These inflammatory responses often occur due to an imbalance of proteins in the body, leading to the aggregation of red blood cells, which increases their density and accelerates their sedimentation compared to that of individual cells.
In patients with heart conditions, an elevated ESR is significant for diagnosing acute rheumatic fever, especially when accompanied by increased levels of streptolysin antibodies. This also applies to cases of myocarditis, whether rheumatic or viral in origin.
Symptoms of Elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
- Unexplained fever.
- Joint inflammation.
- Muscle disorders.
Causes of Elevated Sedimentation Rate
- Bacterial, viral, and autoimmune infections.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- The presence of malignant tumors.
- Kidney failure.
- Advanced age.
- anemia.
- Joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Obesity.
- Pregnancy.
- Anemia viruses.
- Increased sedimentation during menstruation.
- Use of contraceptive medications.
- Medications for hypertension.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs.
- Osteomyelitis.
- Tuberculosis.
- Leprosy.
- Vascular inflammatory conditions.
Treatment for Elevated Sedimentation Rate
To address an elevated ESR, it is crucial for the physician to first diagnose the underlying condition contributing to the increase in sedimentation rate. Once the root cause is identified, appropriate treatment can be administered to manage the erythrocyte sedimentation, which may include herbal remedies or pharmaceutical interventions.