What causes an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)?
Disease description:
I have been experiencing dizziness and blurred vision for some time. I went to the hospital for a checkup, and the doctor told me that my blood is too thick, flows slowly, and settles too quickly. May I ask what causes an accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
The main reasons for an accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) include the following:
1. Physiological causes: In women, ESR may increase during menstruation, pregnancy, and in the elderly due to elevated plasma fibrinogen levels.
2. Inflammatory diseases: Acute or chronic inflammation, such as pneumonia, cholecystitis, and pyelonephritis, may cause an increased ESR. Rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, may also lead to an elevated ESR during active phases.
3. Tissue injury and necrosis: Severe trauma, damage caused by major surgery, and acute myocardial infarction can lead to an accelerated ESR.
4. Malignant tumors: Particularly highly malignant and rapidly growing tumors may cause a明显 increase in ESR.
5. Other factors: Anemia, hypergammaglobulinemia (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple myeloma), and hypercholesterolemia (e.g., nephrotic syndrome) may also result in an elevated ESR.
