ESR 47 mm/hr means : is it normal, good, bad or dangerous?

Published Date : 2023-12-03T13:31:03.637Z

Updated Date : 2023-12-03T13:31:03.637+00:00

What is ESR?

How is ESR measured?

The measurement of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) involves the collection of a small blood sample from the patient's arm, typically drawn from a vein. Before the blood draw, the area is meticulously cleaned with an antiseptic solution to maintain sterility. Following the collection, the blood is mixed with an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. Subsequently, the prepared blood sample is placed in a tall, thin tube, which is then positioned upright. This allows red blood cells to settle over a specified period, usually one hour. The distance the red blood cells travel in the tube during this time is measured, and the settling rate is recorded. The Westergren method, a commonly employed technique for ESR measurement, uses a specialized Westergren tube for blood collection. To prepare for the test, patients are generally advised to inform their healthcare provider about any medications they are taking, as certain drugs can impact the results. While fasting is not obligatory for ESR, maintaining adequate hydration is recommended to ensure a smooth blood draw and accurate results. ESR is a vital diagnostic tool, offering healthcare professionals valuable insights into inflammatory conditions within the body.

What is the normal range of ESR and how is an ESR of 47 graded?

Different sources mention slightly different normal ranges for ESR. The normal range also varies slightly based on the method of measurement. When measured by the Westergren method, the normal range for ESR is mentioned below for adult males, adult females and children.

Normal Range and Grading for Adult Males : ESR 47

Normal Range and Grading for Adult Women : ESR 47

Normal Range and Grading for Children : ESR 47

What does an ESR of 47 mm/hr mean?

An ESR level of 47 is considered to be above normal or elevated. Whilst, this may not be an immediate cause for worry, you should get a detailed physical and medical examination from a qualified medical practitioner. There are numerous reasons why the ESR may be above normal that are themselves normal, which are termed physiological causes, these are listed in a subsequent section.

Is an ESR of 47 mm/hr good?

An ESR of 47 is not a good value. In adults, or children this value is above normal and needs investigating.

Is an ESR of 47 mm/hr bad?

An ESR of 47 is bad in all populations and should be further investigated.

Is an ESR of 47 mm/hr dangerous?

An ESR of 47 is elevated but not necessarily dangerous

Is an ESR of 47 mm/hr normal?

An ESR of 47 is not normal and is classified as elevated.

What are the causes of an ESR of 47 mm/hr?

An ESR of 47 can have various causing including the following

Aging

ESR tends to increase with age, and mild elevation may be normal in elderly individuals.

Heart Disease

Inflammatory changes in the cardiovascular system may contribute to an elevated ESR.

Myeloma

A type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.

HIV/AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can lead to immune system dysfunction and inflammation.

Thyroid Disorders

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can influence ESR levels.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

An autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic blood disorder affecting red blood cells.

Liver Disease

Certain liver conditions can be associated with higher ESR.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Impaired kidney function can lead to higher ESR levels.

Pregnancy

ESR levels can be higher during pregnancy.

Vasculitis

Inflammation of blood vessels.

Certain Cancers

Some cancers, especially those associated with inflammation, can cause an increase in ESR.

What are the causes for a falsely elevated ESR value of 47?

There are certain normal or physiological conditions in which the ESR May be falsely elevated or elevated without any abnormality.

Mild Infections

Low-grade or chronic infections may result in a subtle increase in ESR. The immune system responds to even minor infections by releasing inflammatory markers, influencing ESR levels. Monitoring for signs of infection and addressing underlying causes is crucial.

Emotional Factors

Emotional stress and psychological factors can influence the body's inflammatory response, potentially leading to a temporary increase in ESR. The mind-body connection underscores the importance of mental health for overall well-being.

Sun Exposure

Exposure to sunlight influences vitamin D levels in the body, which in turn can affect the immune system and inflammatory response. Changes in ESR levels related to sun exposure highlight the interconnectedness of environmental factors and inflammation.

Genetic Factors

Genetic variations can contribute to individual differences in baseline ESR levels. While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors and overall health also significantly influence ESR. Understanding genetic predispositions can provide insights into an individual's inflammatory response.

Postpartum Period

In the postpartum period following childbirth, the body goes through a process of recovery and adaptation. Hormonal changes, including a decrease in pregnancy-related hormones, can contribute to temporary fluctuations in ESR levels.

Lack of Physical Activity

A sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity can impact overall health, including inflammatory markers like ESR. Regular exercise has anti-inflammatory effects and is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance in the body's immune response.

Aging

ESR tends to increase with age, and a mild elevation may be a normal part of the aging process. The gradual wear and tear on the body's tissues can contribute to a low-level inflammatory state, leading to a slightly higher ESR in elderly individuals.

Stress

Physiological stress triggers the release of stress hormones and inflammatory mediators, potentially leading to a temporary increase in ESR. Chronic stress can have negative effects on overall health, emphasizing the importance of stress management for well-being.

Obesity

Obesity is linked to chronic low-grade inflammation, and individuals with higher body mass indexes (BMIs) may experience elevated ESR levels. Adipose tissue releases inflammatory molecules, influencing the overall inflammatory status in the body. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall well-being.

Blood Donation

Recent blood donation can lead to a temporary decrease in the number of red blood cells, affecting blood viscosity. This change may contribute to a transient increase in ESR. Understanding the timing of blood donation is essential for accurate interpretation of ESR results.

Circadian Rhythms

ESR levels can vary throughout the day due to natural circadian rhythms. The body's internal clock influences various physiological processes, including inflammation. Understanding these fluctuations helps in interpreting ESR results accurately.

Menopause

The hormonal changes associated with menopause, including a decline in estrogen levels, can impact the inflammatory response in the body. These changes may contribute to alterations in ESR levels, reflecting the natural physiological transition of menopause.

What does an ESR of 47 in pregnancy mean?

The normal range of ESR during pregnancy is different in the different months or trimesters of pregnancy. This is because pregnancy causes a small rise in the ESR, which is considered normal. The following table lists the normal ranges.

Trimester	Lower Limit	Upper Limit
1st	4	57
2nd	7	47
3rd	13	70

Based on these criteria, your ESR of 47 can be classified as below.
If you are in the first three months of pregnancy an ESR of 47 is normal
If you are in the second trimester or months 3-6 of pregnancy an ESR of 47 is normal
If you are in the third trimester or months 7-9 of pregnancy an ESR of 47 is normal

What are the symptoms of an ESR of 47 ?

ESR itself does not cause any direct symptoms. The symptoms of ESR are due the underlying disease process. The following is a list of symptoms that may be associated with an ESR of 47

Muscle Aches

Generalized or localized pain in muscles.

Fever

Elevated body temperature beyond normal range.

Dizziness

Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.

Cough

Persistent or chronic coughing.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Enlarged and tender lymph nodes.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Changes in menstrual patterns for women.

Difficulty Sleeping

Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.

Mouth Ulcers

Sores in the mouth that may be painful.

Abnormal Blood Counts

Changes in white blood cell count or other blood parameters.

Abdominal Pain

Discomfort or pain in the abdominal region.

Loss of Appetite

Decreased desire to eat.

Vision Changes

Blurred vision or other visual disturbances.

Cognitive Impairment

Memory problems or difficulty concentrating.

Joint Pain

Discomfort, swelling, or stiffness in the joints.

Neurological Symptoms

Tingling, numbness, or weakness.

Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing or breathlessness.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without intentional changes in diet or exercise.

Digestive Issues

Irregular bowel movements, diarrhea, or constipation.

Fatigue

Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.

Nausea and Vomiting

Feeling of sickness and vomiting.

Recurrent Infections

Frequent or persistent infections.

Chest Pain

Pain or discomfort in the chest area.

Depression

Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Hair Loss

Unexplained loss of hair.

Night Sweats

Excessive sweating during sleep.

Frequent Urination

Increased need to urinate.

Which foods can reduce an ESR of 47 mm/hr?

Based on a study by Hulander et al, eating foods that lower inflammation can lead to a lowered value of ESR. The following foods can be consumed to try to reduce inflammation.

Nuts

Nuts, like almonds and walnuts, are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. They contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of the Mediterranean diet, supporting heart health and overall well-being.

Probiotics

Foods enriched with probiotics, like yogurt and fermented products, support a healthy gut microbiome. A balanced gut contributes to reduced inflammation and improved overall well-being, aligning with the principles of the Mediterranean diet.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids have anti-inflammatory properties, making fatty fish an excellent choice in the Mediterranean diet to combat inflammation.

Fruits

Various fruits, including citrus fruits and berries, are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Their consumption is associated with reduced inflammation, aligning with the Mediterranean diet's focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Legumes

Legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas, are high in phytochemicals. These compounds have anti-inflammatory effects, making legumes an essential part of the Mediterranean diet for promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are a key component of the Mediterranean diet, providing essential nutrients and fiber. They contribute to reducing inflammation and promoting overall health.

What other tests should be done with an ESR of 47 mm/hr ?

For an ESR of 47, other tests can be done to further ascertain the immune status of the body, as well as rule out infections or malignancies if any.
The following table lists other tests that can be done.

Lab Tests Related to ESR

What is the ESR to CRP ratio and why does it matter?

The ESR to CRP ratio is the ratio of the Erythryocyte Sedimentation Rate in mm/hr to the C-Reactive Protein Value. The ratio has value in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. If the value is below 2 it indicates that the patient has an infection in addition to the SLE. If the value is above 15 it is more likely to be a flare up of SLE. You can find the ratio calculated for various values of CRP given your ESR value of 47

What is my ESR:CRP ratio for an ESR of 47 mm/hr ?

ESR	CRP	Ratio	Means
47	1.0	47.0	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
47	1.5	31.333333333333332	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
47	2.0	23.5	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
47	2.5	18.8	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
47	3.0	15.666666666666666	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
47	3.5	13.428571428571429	Inconclusive
47	4.0	11.75	Inconclusive
47	4.5	10.444444444444445	Inconclusive
47	5.0	9.4	Inconclusive
47	5.5	8.545454545454545	Inconclusive
47	6.0	7.833333333333333	Inconclusive
47	6.5	7.230769230769231	Inconclusive
47	7.0	6.714285714285714	Inconclusive
47	7.5	6.266666666666667	Inconclusive
47	8.0	5.875	Inconclusive
47	8.5	5.529411764705882	Inconclusive
47	9.0	5.222222222222222	Inconclusive
47	9.5	4.947368421052632	Inconclusive
47	10.0	4.7	Inconclusive
47	10.5	4.476190476190476	Inconclusive
47	11.0	4.2727272727272725	Inconclusive
47	11.5	4.086956521739131	Inconclusive
47	12.0	3.9166666666666665	Inconclusive
47	12.5	3.76	Inconclusive
47	13.0	3.6153846153846154	Inconclusive
47	13.5	3.4814814814814814	Inconclusive
47	14.0	3.357142857142857	Inconclusive
47	14.5	3.2413793103448274	Inconclusive
47	15.0	3.1333333333333333	Inconclusive
47	15.5	3.032258064516129	Inconclusive
47	16.0	2.9375	Inconclusive
47	16.5	2.8484848484848486	Inconclusive
47	17.0	2.764705882352941	Inconclusive
47	17.5	2.6857142857142855	Inconclusive
47	18.0	2.611111111111111	Inconclusive
47	18.5	2.5405405405405403	Inconclusive
47	19.0	2.473684210526316	Inconclusive
47	19.5	2.41025641025641	Inconclusive
47	20.0	2.35	Inconclusive
47	20.5	2.292682926829268	Inconclusive
47	21.0	2.238095238095238	Inconclusive
47	21.5	2.186046511627907	Inconclusive
47	22.0	2.1363636363636362	Inconclusive
47	22.5	2.088888888888889	Inconclusive
47	23.0	2.0434782608695654	Inconclusive
47	23.5	2.0	More likely to be infection
47	24.0	1.9583333333333333	More likely to be infection
47	24.5	1.9183673469387754	More likely to be infection
47	25.0	1.88	More likely to be infection
47	25.5	1.8431372549019607	More likely to be infection
47	26.0	1.8076923076923077	More likely to be infection
47	26.5	1.7735849056603774	More likely to be infection
47	27.0	1.7407407407407407	More likely to be infection
47	27.5	1.709090909090909	More likely to be infection
47	28.0	1.6785714285714286	More likely to be infection
47	28.5	1.6491228070175439	More likely to be infection
47	29.0	1.6206896551724137	More likely to be infection
47	29.5	1.5932203389830508	More likely to be infection