ESR
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube over one hour. With inflammation the cells clump and fall faster — so the ESR is an indirect, old, but useful indicator of inflammation.
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Good | below 20 mm/h | Within range. |
| Worth improving | 20 – 35 mm/h | Slightly elevated — nonspecific inflammation. |
| Talk to a doctor | 35 mm/h and above | Elevated — an inflammatory process; interpret in context. |
Why it matters
Elevated with inflammatory processes; nonspecific, interpret with CRP.
If it’s low
A low ESR is favorable; a very low one is rarely significant.
If it’s high
An elevated ESR indicates inflammation somewhere in the body, but does not tell where. It responds more slowly than CRP. A moderate rise can often be due to age, anemia or pregnancy.
What to do
Interpret it with CRP and how you feel. An isolated moderate rise when you feel well is often not serious — repeat and monitor.
Read together with
hs-CRP · Leukocytes (WBC) · Hemoglobin
Part of the guide: Inflammation →
Articles about this marker
- High ESR (sedimentation rate): what it means, normal range and ESR vs CRPMarker explained
- How to lower inflammation (hs-CRP): an action planHow to improve
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
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