If the soe is normal, it means healthy. Elevated ESR in the blood: what does it mean. Causes of low ESR

What can affect the results?

This analysis is sensitive to changes in the quantitative and qualitative composition of the blood, which in turn is completely controlled by the body. There are a number of factors that can have a direct impact on the accuracy of the results, giving false indicators. This is referred to.

The article is based on the findings of 63 scientific studies

The article citesresearch authors:

• Unità Reumatologica, 2nd Divisione di Medicina, Ospedale di Prato, Italy
• Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Center, Canada
• Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
• Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
• and other authors.

Please note that the numbers in brackets (1 , 2 , 3 , etc.) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific studies. You can follow these links and read the original source of information for the article.

What is ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)

Normally, red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle relatively slowly. Settling faster than normal values ​​may show inflammation. in organism. Inflammation is part of the immune system's response to problems in the body. It could be a reaction to an infection or injury. Inflammation can also be a sign of a chronic illness, an immune system disorder, or other health problems.

Erythrocyte sedimentation(ESR) was discovered in 1897 Polish physician Edmund Faustyn Biernacki (1866-1911). The practical use of ESR was not known at the time, so it was often ignored by physicians. But in 1918 it was found that the ESR changes in pregnant women, and in 1926 Westergren developed his own method for determining the ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). [,]

The main factors affecting ESR - hematocrit(proportion of erythrocytes in the blood) and blood proteins such asfibrinogen. .

ESR in a blood test

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR) is a blood test that checks for inflammation. He measures distance in millimeters on which red blood cells move (settle) in one hour (mm/h). [ , ].

There are several ways to do this, such as the Westergren method, the Wintrobe method, or MicroESR and automated methods. [ , , ]

Westergren's method for calculating ESR

The Westergren method is considered gold standard in the measurement of ESR.

The doctor mixes the blood sample with sodium citrate (4:1 ratio). He then puts the mixture into a Westergren-Katz tube (diameter 2.5 mm) up to the 200 mm mark. Then he sets the tube vertically and leaves it in that position at room temperature (18-25 °C) for one hour. At the end of that hour, the doctor measures how far the red blood cells have moved (dropped down by gravity). This distance shows the ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

In a modified Westergren method, the doctor uses edetic acid instead of sodium citrate. [ , , ].

Other methods for calculating ESR

Wintrob Method e is less sensitive than the Westergren method and its maximum values ​​can be misleading. [ , ]

Micro ESR Method Quite fast (approximately 20 minutes) and popular for determining ESR in infants, as this test requires very little blood. This study is also useful for diagnosing neonatal sepsis. [ , R, ]

Automated Methods are faster, easier to use, and could be better predictors for autoimmune diseases. However, their sensitivity to the technical procedures for obtaining and storing blood (blood mixing, tube size, etc.) may affect test results. [ , , , , , R , , ]

What can show the value of ESR

Inflammation

The ESR test checks if you have inflammation. During inflammation, some proteins appear in the blood, for example, fibrinogen. These proteins cause red blood cells to cling to each other and form clumps. This makes them heavier than a single erythrocyte, and therefore they settle faster, which increases the ESR value. [ , , ]

In this way, high ESR indicates inflammation. The higher the ESR, the higher the inflammation. [ , , ]

But, the ESR test is not very sensitive (so it cannot detect all types of inflammation), and it is not very specific, so it cannot diagnose specific diseases.

Presence of specific diseases

An ESR test can help diagnose certain conditions:

• Polymyalgia rheumatica (an inflammatory disease that causes muscle pain and stiffness) [ , , ]
• Giant cell arteritis (inflammation of the blood vessels) [ , , , , ]
• Bone infections [ , , ].
• Subacute thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) [ , , ]
• Ulcerative colitis

The course of some diseases

Determination of ESR cannot diagnose diseases, but this test can track the progress of treatment for certain diseases :

• Heart diseases [ , , ]
• Cancer [ , , ]
• [R, , , ]
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [ , , r]
• Sickle cell anemia [ , , ]

See the threat to life

ESR level above 100 mm/h may suggest serious illnesses such as infections, heart disease or cancer.[ , , , ]

An increase in the level of ESR with oncological suspicion can predict the development of a malignant tumor or the progression of the disease in the form appearance of metastases. [ , , , , ]

Relationship between ESR and C-reactive protein

During inflammation, our liver produces a substance called C-reactive protein (CRP). A blood test for CRP levels checks to see if you have inflammation or infection. A CRP level greater than 10 mg/dL almost certainly indicates the presence of an infection. [ , , ]

More information about the possibilities to reduce the values ​​​​of C-reactive protein can be found in.

In most blood tests, the CRP test is used in conjunction with the ESR. [ , , ].

Analysis for C-reactive protein (especially its ultra-sensitive test type) is more sensitive than ESR and produces fewer false negatives/positives than ESR.

C-reactive protein is best used to check and track progress acute

Revealing ESR best used to check and track progress chronic inflammation and infections. [ , , ]

The ratio of CRP and ESR in various diseases

High ESR and high CRP

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Bone and joint infection
• Ischemic stroke
• Macroglobulinemia waldenstrom
• multiple myeloma
• kidney failure
• Low albumin in the blood

Low ESR and high CRP

• Urinary tract, lung and bloodstream infections
• myocardial infarction
• Venous thromboembolic disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Low albumin in the blood

How You Can Reduce Inflammation and CRP

A special anti-inflammatory diet and exercise together can significantly reduce CRP (highly sensitive) levels. After 3 weeks of following a special diet and exercise, scientists from the University of California recorded that the level of highly sensitive-CRP decreased by an average of 39% in men, 45% in women, and 41% in children.

• Headache
• Fever
• Joint or shoulder pain
• Rapid weight loss

Normal ESR values

At age under 50 years old normal values ​​of ESR: for men n - 0-15 mm/hour, for women– 0-20 mm/hour.

At age over 50 years old normal values ​​of ESR: for men– 0-20 mm/hour, for women– 0-30 mm/hour.

For kids normal ESR should be less 10 mm/hour.

Low ESR values ​​are normal and do not cause any symptoms.

What raises the level of ESR

Diseases

• Inflammation, infection, or cancer can increase ESR [ , , , , , ]
• / old age [ , , , , ]
• Anemia ( a decrease in hematocrit increases the values ​​of ESR) [ , , , ]
• macrocytosis(the appearance of large red blood cells in the blood) [ , ]
• Polycythemia(increased production of red blood cells) [ , , , , ]
• Enhanced Levelfibrinogen[ , ]
• Pregnancy[ , ]
• [ , , ]
• kidney failure
• Chronic heart failure
• Obesity[ , ].
• Hyperlipidemia(high blood lipids)
• Heart diseases[ , , ]
• Autoimmune diseases(but not required)
• Rheumatic polymyalgia(inflammatory disease in which there is pain in the muscles of the shoulders and hips) [ , p , ]
• Subacute thyroiditis
• alcoholic liver disease, which can lead to a decrease in albumin production, and therefore an increase in ESR
• and ulcerative colitis[ , ]
• Giant cell arteritis(inflammation in large arteries) [ , ]
• multiple myeloma
• Macroglobulinemia of Waldenström(a tumor that produces a large amount of immunoglobulins) [ , ]
• and stroke
• Cancer(risk of progression and death) [ , , ]

Substances and drugs

• Iodine(for thyroid problems)
• Eating large amounts of ginger(in the presence of subacute thyroiditis)
• Contraceptive drugs
• [ , , , ]
• Dextran(antithrombotic)

What lowers ESR

When the size of the red blood cells becomes smaller, they will settle more slowly in the test tube, hence a lower ESR will be diagnosed. With various blood diseases, the size, number and shape of red blood cells can change.

The list of physiological conditions when red blood cells can change and at the same time the ESR level will decrease:

• Red blood cell diseases: extreme leukocytosis, erythrocytosis, sickle cell anemia, spherocytosis, acanthocytosis, and anisocytosis. [ , , , , ]

• Protein anomalies: hypofibrinogenemia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and dysproteinemia with blood hyperviscosity. [ , , , , , ]

• The use of drugs: NSAIDs, statins, corticosteroids, painkillers, levamisole, prednisolone. [ , , , , ]

Increased ESR in some diseases

Rheumatic polymyalgia

Rheumatic polymyalgia is an inflammatory disease that mainly affects people over the age of 50. The disease causes pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, and hips, or causes pain throughout the body. [R, , ]

ESR analysis is often used as a diagnostic tool in polymyalgia rheumatica by assessing levels of inflammation. [ , ]

In numerous studies involving a total of 872 people diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica, the majority of patients showed ESR values ​​above 30 mm/h. Only 6% to 22% of them showed ESR below 30 mm/h. [ , , , , , ]

A high ESR value (>30-40 mm/h) may indicate polymyalgia rheumatica. However, a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate cannot rule out this disease, so additional tests are required when making a diagnosis. [ , , , ]

Temporal arteritis or giant cell arteritis- This disease manifests itself in the form of inflammation of the blood vessels. It affects people over 50 and is more common among women. Symptoms of the disease can include headaches, joint pain, fever, eye pain, blindness, and even a stroke. This condition is often associated with polymyalgia rheumatica. [ , , , , ]

One of the diagnostic criteria for temporal arteritis is the level ESR within or above 50 mm/h.[ , , , , ]

In numerous studies (a total of 388 people with temporal arteritis participated), most patients showed ESR values ​​above 40 mm/h. [ , , , , , ]

Elevated ESR (>40-50 mm/h) may indicate temporal arteritis, but lower ESR values ​​(< 40 мм/ч) также не могут исключить это заболевание. Other tests are required, such as C-reactive protein testing, which are more sensitive in diagnosing this disease. [ , ]

Diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system

A large number of studies involving 262,652 people demonstrated that people with elevated ESR had a higher chance of developing cardiac insufficiency, heart attack or compared to people with normal ESR levels. [ , , , , , , ]

Other studies with a total of 20,933 participants showed that people with high ESR had an increased risk death from heart disease or stroke. [ , , , , , ]

Another group of studies involving 484 patients with cardiovascular disease or stroke found an increase in ESR values ​​in most of these people. [ , , ]

Two studies (involving 983 patients undergoing heart surgery) found that patients with an ESR greater than 40 mm/h were in hospitals and intensive care units more often, and they had an increased risk of developing side effects during treatment. [R, ]

Cancer (malignant tumor)

The study involved 239,658 Swedish men. For those who showed meaning ESR above 15 mm/hour was on 63% increased risk of colon cancer compared with those men whose ESR was below 10 mm/h.

In a study of 5,500 people, those who had weight loss, anemia and high ESR had a 50% chance of diagnosing a malignant tumor. Who had only weight loss and high ESR, but no anemia, the chance of a cancer diagnosis was in 33%.

Another study, involving 4,452 women, evaluated the possible diagnosis breast cancer. As a result of this work, it was concluded that those women who had a significantly higher ESR level (>35 mm/h) were more likely to have a malignant tumor compared to healthy women and those women who had a benign tumor.

Numerous studies involving more than 1,200,000 men with a diagnosis have identified an addiction that indicated low survival and high risk of metastasis with ESR above 50 mm/h. [ , , ]

Two other studies with over 1,477 patients diagnosed with kidney cancer an increased risk of death was determined at high values ​​of ESR. [ , ]

In 854 patients with the disease Hodgkin's disease those people with an ESR above 30 mm/h had an active disease and had a higher risk of death. [R, ]

In a study involving 139 patients with skin cancer ESR values ​​above 22 mm/h were associated with lower survival and higher risk metastasis.

In another scientific experiment, 97 patients with blood cancer elevated ESR values ​​gave only a 53% chance of survival in this disease.

In 220 patients with stomach cancer ( men with ESR above 10 mm/h, women with ESR above 20 mm/h) was lower survival, large metastases and the size of the tumor itself in the stomach is larger.

In a study of 410 patients with a particular type bladder cancer ( urothelial carcinoma), ESR values ​​greater than 22 mm/h for men and 27 mm/h for women were associated with disease progression and death.

Patients with skin disease (dermatomyositis) and an ESR level above 35 mm/h had a higher chance of developing a malignant tumor.

In 94 patients with glioma(tumor of the brain or spinal cord) ESR values above 15 mm/h showed a higher chance of death.

In a study involving 42 patients multiple myeloma elevated ESR has been associated with lower survival rates.

Patients (189 people) diagnosed with lung cancer and high ESR showed low chances of survival compared with patients with low ESR values.

Rheumatoid arthritis

In a 25-year follow-up of 1,892 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 64% of patients had elevated ESR levels compared to healthy individuals.

Several studies involving 373 people and a 2-year study with 251 patients with rheumatoid arthritis found that high ESR values ​​were indicative of a worsening of the disease or a decrease in the effectiveness of its treatment. [ , , ]

However, in another study, 159 children with rheumatoid arthritis were followed for 1 year, and in this case, elevated ESR levels were not associated with disease progression.

infections

ESR values ​​greater than 70 mm/h in adults and less than 12 mm/h in children may correspond to bone infections. [ , , , ]

In a study involving 61 patients with untreated leg infections, ESR values ​​greater than 67 mm/h indicated the development of osteomyelitis. .

With an inflammatory disease - spondylodiscitis, more than 90% of patients showed ESR values ​​in the range of 43 - 87 mm / h.

In a study involving 259 children who have been diagnosed with leg pain, at values ​​of ESR not higher than 12 mm/hour and C-reactive protein (CRP) higher than 7 mg/l, they most likely had an orthopedic infection.

In patients after hip arthroplasty an increase in ESR may indicate a postoperative infection.

A decrease in ESR during the treatment of infections may indicate the effectiveness of this treatment and an improvement in the degree of the disease. [p, p]

Systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. It can affect the joints, nervous system, kidneys, skin, heart, and lungs. People with lupus have periods of improvement (remissions) and periods of worsening disease (flares). [ , R, ]

In patients with the active phase of systemic lupus erythematosus, ESR usually shows high values. Such an increase in ESR in patients with lupus may mean an outbreak of the disease. [ , ]

sickle cell anemia

In two studies involving 139 children with sickle cell anemia, normal ESR values ​​were below 8 mm/hour. And ESR values ​​above 20 mm/h indicated a crisis of the disease or an infection. [R, ]

If people with sickle cell anemia have a high ESR (>20 mm/h), this indicates an infection or a worsening disease.[ , , ]

Ulcerative colitis

The study followed 240,984 healthy men for 7 years. Those men who had a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) than normal ESR had higher risk of developing ulcerative colitis.

ESR above 15 mm/h may predict relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Thyroiditis (subacute)

Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. The disease causes pain and swelling of the thyroid gland, fever and fatigue. In most patients with subacute thyroiditis ESR level is above 50 mm/h. [ , , , , , , ]

Ginger and iodine can cause an outbreak (exacerbation) of subacute thyroiditis, which will increase ESR. [ , ]

Causes of a high level of ESR

Increased fibrinogen

Nutrition (diet) high iniron, sugar, and caffeine may increase the amount of fibrinogen in the blood (study of 206 people).

Protein is known to be essential for maintaining healthy fibrinogen levels. In the case of protein deficiency (for example, in an animal study), a low level of fibrinogen is recorded compared to those who were fed with sufficient protein.

In a study with 16 people, getting protein shake or bringing the diet to a balanced state in terms of protein levels, there was a 2-fold increase in fibrinogen values ​​in relation to the values ​​before the start of the study.

High triglycerides

In a study of 101 patients, most of these people with high cholesterol levels and, was found elevated ESR values.

A low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet (the standard "Western" or urban diet) has been found to have elevated blood triglycerides in healthy adults. [ , r , r , r ]

A diet low in fat and high in carbohydrates and sugar increases the production of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and triglycerides. [

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a biological parameter that determines the ratio of proteins and blood cells. ESR is an important parameter of a general blood test, since sedimentation rates change with certain diseases and specific conditions of the body.

When infectious-inflammatory reactions take place in the body, a large amount of protein compounds (proteins of the acute phase of inflammation) are released into the blood. During laboratory testing, red blood cells stick together under the influence of proteins, and then settle to the bottom of the test tube.

The essence of the study is to measure the sedimentation rate: the more proteins there are in the plasma (markers of inflammatory processes in the body), the faster the erythrocytes form fractions and settle.

Methods for determining ESR

There are several methods for determining the erythrocyte sedimentation rate: according to Panchenkov, according to Westergren, according to Wintrob, microESR. These laboratory research methods differ in the method of blood sampling, the technique of laboratory research and the dimensional scale of the results.

Method according to Panchenkov

This method is used in the laboratories of public hospitals and is included in the general blood test, the biological material for which is taken from a finger.

During the study, the Panchenkov apparatus is used, which consists of a tripod into which special capillaries (thin tubes) with size marks are inserted.

After taking blood from a finger, a reagent (sodium citrate solution) is added to a laboratory capillary to prevent clotting (the formation of a dense clot). Further, the biological material is in a capillary with a measuring scale of 100 divisions.

An hour later, the laboratory assistant determines how many millimeters the fractions of adherent erythrocytes fall in 1 hour.

Method according to Westergen

The Westergen method is used for a more accurate diagnosis of inflammatory processes and is an international laboratory research method.

The sampling of biological material for the method of determining the ESR according to Westergen is carried out from a vein on an empty stomach. Biological material is added to a test tube with a reagent (sodium citrate) that prevents clotting.

There are 200 divisions on the test tube according to the Westergen method, which allows you to make a more accurate determination of the ESR. The units of measurement of this indicator are similar in both versions of the study - millimeters per hour (mm / h).

There are factors that affect the accuracy of the analysis results, namely:

• the temperature in the laboratory where the study is being carried out (at a temperature of more than 25 degrees Celsius, the ESR value increases, and if it is less than 18 degrees, a low erythrocyte sedimentation rate is detected);
• storage time (if the biological material is stored for more than 4 hours before laboratory analysis);
• reagent used;
• the degree of dilution and the quality of mixing of the biological material with the reagent;
• correct installation of the capillary in a tripod;
• using a plastic capillary instead of glass.

Given the possible errors, with too high or low ESR for no apparent reason, it is necessary to retake the analysis to confirm the pathology.

The norm of ESR in the blood in women by age (table)

The ESR parameter is relatively stable in healthy men, but in women, the sedimentation rate may differ, depending on many factors:

• age (after 50, the ESR level increases);
• physique (in overweight women and high cholesterol levels, ESR increases);
• hormonal background;
• pregnancy;
• taking hormonal contraceptives.

Also, the physiological reasons for changing the ESR parameter include diet: eating protein foods increases the ESR rate, regardless of gender and age.

The determination of ESR is an important diagnostic study that shows the presence of an inflammatory process in the body, but at the same time does not reveal the nature and location of the focus of infection.

When appointed

The appointment of a general (biochemical) blood test with the measurement of ESR is prescribed in several cases:

• during a preventive examination, as a method of determining the degree of health of the body;
• for the diagnosis of diseases accompanied by inflammatory processes (infections, tumors, etc.), erythermia, acidosis, etc.

The definition of ESR is the main one for identifying pathological processes in the body during the diagnosis of infectious diseases of the respiratory tract, namely:

• sinusitis, sinusitis;
• angina;
• inflammation of the pharynx, larynx and trachea;
• bronchitis;
• pneumonia;
• SARS;
• flu.

After drug treatment of these diseases, a control clinical blood test for ESR is performed, which normalizes within 7-10 days after recovery.

How to prepare for analysis

Preparation for blood sampling for analysis is not difficult. It is necessary to follow some recommendations that contribute to the most realistic results of the analysis:

• biological material is taken on an empty stomach, 10-12 hours after the last meal;
• on the eve of the procedure, you need to refrain from a large amount of protein foods, do not drink alcoholic beverages at all;
• the day before the analysis, intense physical activity and stressful situations are excluded.

The procedure for removing material for analysis of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate cannot be carried out after some medical studies that can lead to a temporary disruption of the normal composition of the blood, namely:

• x-ray;
• sounding of internal organs;
• physiotherapy procedures;
• treatment with heparin, dextran, corticotropin, fluorides, oxalates, cortisone;
• taking vitamin A;
• administering the hepatitis B vaccine.

If it is necessary to conduct an analysis for ESR, the intake of certain types of medications is stopped 3-5 days before the procedure (glucocorticosteroids, hormonal preparations, etc.).

Reasons for increasing ESR

The development of an acute or chronic inflammatory reaction in the body is accompanied by an increased content of coarse proteins in the blood (globulins, fibrinogens, paraproteins), which contribute to the rapid adhesion of erythrocytes and an increase in ESR values. Manifested in the following diseases:

• diseases of the upper respiratory tract (ARVI, influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis);
• infections of the genitourinary system (cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis);
• rheumatism;
• rheumatic and bacterial endocarditis;
• infectious polyarthritis;
• cholecystitis;
• tuberculosis;
• pneumonia;
• abscess, gangrene of the lungs;
• pancreatitis;
• pleurisy, etc.

Also, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate can be increased in other pathologies, during which the amount of albumin in the blood decreases, namely:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with impaired absorption of nutrients;
• parenchymal hepatitis;
• neoplasms in the liver;
• thyrotoxicosis;
• nephrotic syndrome.

The increase in ESR depends on indicators such as the level of cholesterol, lecithin, bile acids and pigments, which may deviate from the norm in such diseases:

• poisoning;
• trauma;
• prolonged bleeding;
• heart attack, heart failure;
• pulmonary infarction;
• nephritis, renal failure;
• some types of anemia.

An increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in women when taking hormonal preparations with estrogen, during pregnancy, on critical days, as well as during fasting and a strict diet, is not dangerous.

The main symptoms of elevated ESR, which may occur along with signs of the underlying disease, are as follows:

• migraines, prolonged headaches, dizziness;
• fast fatiguability;
• nausea;
• abdominal pain, sometimes indigestion;
• heart palpitations;
• pallor of the skin.

Causes of a low level of ESR

In some cases, the ESR level is determined to be too low. There are three main reasons that affect the decrease in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate:

• thickening of the blood - an increase in plasma viscosity due to an increase in the content of red blood cells;
• hyperbilirubinemia - an increase in the level of bilirubin;
• acidosis is a violation of the alkaline-acid balance in the body.

As a rule, these pathologies occur with the following diseases:

• pathologies of the heart and circulatory system with congestion;
• simultaneous malfunctions of the liver and biliary tract;
• lack of nutrients;
• long-term vegetarian diet;
• starvation;
• vegetarian diet;
• excessive fluid intake;
• the use of corticosteroid drugs,
• frequent use of aspirin.

The main manifestations of a reduced erythrocyte sedimentation rate depend on pathological processes in the body and can be as follows:

• shortness of breath, dry cough;
• weakness, dizziness;
• quickening of breathing;
• nausea and vomiting;
• weight loss;
• the formation of hematomas with minor injuries;
• frequent nosebleeds.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, the ESR study is carried out four times:

• at the beginning of pregnancy up to the 12th week;
• at 20-21 weeks of the term;
• at 28-30 weeks of pregnancy;
• before childbirth.

Due to hormonal changes that occur throughout pregnancy, a woman's erythrocyte sedimentation rate changes significantly during the 9 months of pregnancy, and also for some time after childbirth.

1 trimester. The norm of ESR in the blood in the first months of pregnancy is very wide: depending on the physique and individual characteristics, this indicator can be either low (13 mm / h) or excessively high (up to 45 mm / h).

2 trimester. At this time, the woman's condition stabilizes somewhat and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is approximately 20-30 mm / h.

3rd trimester. The last stages of pregnancy are characterized by a significant increase in the permissible norm of ESR - from 30 to 45 mm / h. Such a sharp increase indicates the rapid development of the fetus and does not require treatment.

After childbirth, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in women remains elevated, since a woman can lose a lot of blood during labor. For 2-3 months after delivery, ESR can reach 30 mm / h. When hormonal processes return to normal, the level of ESR in a woman decreases to 0-15 mm / h.

With menopause

The climacteric period of a woman's life is characterized by strong hormonal changes, which significantly affect the chemical composition of the blood. During menopause, the rate of ESR in the blood, as a rule, increases significantly, and can reach up to 50 millimeters per hour.

In women after 50 years, the ESR level can be quite high (up to 30 mm / h), which is normal, if other blood parameters do not exceed the permissible norm.

However, after the onset of menopause, ESR in the blood in women more than 50 mm / h can signal such diseases:

• thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism), occurring in 50-60% of women over 50;
• chronic infections;
• tumor growth;
• active rheumatological processes;
• kidney disease;
• allergic reactions;
• fractures.

A reduced level of ESR in women during menopause and in the postmenstrual period always indicates pathological processes in the body. Reduced erythrocyte sedimentation rate (below 15-12 mm/hour) can be caused by the following diseases:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (duodenitis, gastritis, stomach ulcer);
• leukocytosis - an increase in the number of leukocytes that occurs in many inflammatory and oncological processes (meningitis, peritonitis, pyelonephritis, malignant tumors);
• erythrocytosis, manifested in true polycythemia, diseases of the respiratory system (pleurisy of the lungs, lung tumors), etc .;
• hepatitis;
• blood clotting disorder.

It should be remembered that the level of ESR drops below normal after taking aspirin.

For cancer

Oncological processes in the body are suspected if the ESR value is higher than normal, despite long-term treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs (up to 70 mm/s). At the same time, the level of hemoglobin decreases from 120-130 units to 70-80 units, and the level of leukocytes also increases.

A prolonged increase in the rate of sedimentation of red blood cells may indicate the formation of malignant tumors:

• intestinal tumors;
• cancerous tumors of the breast, cervix and ovaries in women;
• oncological processes in the bone marrow;
• brain tumors.

An increase in the level of ESR also occurs with the development of benign tumors, namely:

• myeloma;
• polyps;
• papillomas;
• fibromas;
• lymphangiomas, etc.

Laboratory analysis of the ESR norm in women is not a direct indicator of the presence of cancerous processes in the body, therefore, after determining the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of more than 70-80 mm / h, an additional examination is performed to confirm the diagnosis (ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, etc. ).

How to reduce ESR folk remedies

In order to reduce the level of ESR to normal, you can use effective folk remedies: table beets, honey, garlic, lemons, herbal infusion, etc. The action of folk recipes is aimed at cleansing the blood, removing inflammatory processes in the body and strengthening the immune system.

A decoction of beets. Red beets have many beneficial properties that can improve health, namely:

• due to B vitamins, metabolism can be normalized;
• with the help of vitamin C and beta-carotene, the immune system improves;
• contains quartz, which strengthens the vascular system and helps to cleanse the body;
• removes toxins;
• normalizes plasma levels.

To prepare the broth, you will need 3 small beets, which must be thoroughly washed and boiled in an unpeeled form. The beet stalks do not need to be trimmed.

Boil the beets over low heat for 3 hours, making sure that the water does not boil away. The broth is cooled and stored in the refrigerator.

It is necessary to take a decoction of 50 grams on an empty stomach in the morning, without getting out of bed. After taking the medicine, you should lie down for another 10-15 minutes. The treatment lasts 7 days, followed by a week break, and the course of treatment is repeated.

Infusion of medicinal herbs. To reduce the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, effective herbs such as chamomile, linden flowers, and coltsfoot are used, which have anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, and cleansing properties.

Take dried crushed leaves (0.5 teaspoon each) of each plant, pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 30 minutes. The infusion is filtered and drunk 2 times a day after meals. The course of treatment is 20 days.