What causes an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)?

High ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) may be caused by the following reasons: 1. Physiological causes: In women during menstruation, pregnancy, and after childbirth. Age-related factors, such as infancy or over 60 years old. After strenuous exercise. 2. Pathological causes: Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, acute bacterial inflammation, leading to inflammatory infection. Tissue damage, such as trauma or surgical injury, causing impaired cell metabolism. Chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia, and cirrhosis, resulting in reduced immune function or increased plasma globulin. Malignant tumors, such as cancer, where rapid tumor growth stimulates an increased ESR. All of the above factors can lead to elevated ESR. Further evaluation and specific symptoms are required to determine the exact underlying cause.