Is an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 31 mm/h serious?
Disease description:
Recently, I've been feeling weak all over and experiencing knee pain. Upon examination, my erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was found to be 31 mm/h. Since this value is elevated, does it mean there is a serious health problem?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
In general, an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 31 mm/h does not necessarily indicate a serious condition.
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate refers to the rate at which red blood cells settle within a certain period. The normal reference range varies by gender, typically 0-15 mm/h for males and 0-20 mm/h for females. When the ESR reaches 31 mm/h, it exceeds the normal range, which may suggest the presence of some pathological condition within the body. However, this alone does not imply a severe illness.
An increased ESR can be caused by various factors, including but not limited to inflammation, infection, and autoimmune diseases. In these conditions, the levels of fibrinogen or globulin in the plasma may increase, or the electric charge on the surface of red blood cells may change, thereby accelerating the sedimentation rate of red blood cells.
It is recommended that patients follow medical advice to undergo further examinations, such as C-reactive protein test, complete blood count, and imaging studies, to identify the specific cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
