ESR 63 mm/hr means : is it normal, good, bad or dangerous?

Published Date : 2023-12-05T13:31:03.637Z

Updated Date : 2023-12-05T13:31:03.637+00:00

What is ESR?

How is ESR measured?

ESR, or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, is measured by collecting a small blood sample from the patient's arm, usually from a vein. Before the blood draw, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to ensure a sterile collection. Once obtained, the blood is mixed with an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. The prepared blood sample is then placed in a tall, thin tube, which is positioned upright to allow red blood cells to settle over a specific period, often one hour. The distance the red blood cells travel in the tube during this time is carefully measured, and the settling rate is recorded. The Westergren method, a widely recognized technique for ESR measurement, involves the use of a specialized Westergren tube for blood collection. In preparation for the test, patients are usually advised to communicate any medications they are taking to their healthcare provider, as certain drugs can influence the results. Fasting is not mandatory for ESR, but maintaining hydration is recommended to facilitate an efficient blood draw and ensure accurate results. ESR is an essential diagnostic tool, providing healthcare professionals with valuable information to assess and monitor inflammatory conditions within the body.

What is the normal range of ESR and how is an ESR of 63 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 63

Normal Range and Grading for Adult Women : ESR 63

Normal Range and Grading for Children : ESR 63

What does an ESR of 63 mm/hr mean?

An ESR level of 63 is considered to be significantly elevated. A cause must be found for the elevated ESR, while ruling out normal or physiological causes. An ESR between 50 and 80, is definitely not normal and must be further investigated together with additional tests, that are listed in a subsequent section.

Is an ESR of 63 mm/hr good?

An ESR of 63 is not a good value. In adults, or children this value is above normal and needs investigating.

Is an ESR of 63 mm/hr bad?

An ESR of 63 is bad in all populations and should be further investigated.

Is an ESR of 63 mm/hr dangerous?

An ESR of 63 is elevated but not necessarily dangerous

Is an ESR of 63 mm/hr normal?

An ESR of 63 is not normal and is classified as elevated.

What are the causes of an ESR of 63 mm/hr?

An ESR of 63 can have various causing including the following

Liver Disease

Certain liver conditions can be associated with higher ESR.

Autoimmune Disorders

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus can cause inflammation and elevate ESR.

Temporal Arteritis

An inflammatory condition affecting the blood vessels.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

An inflammatory disorder that commonly affects older adults.

Myeloma

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

Vasculitis

Inflammation of blood vessels.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

An autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs.

Dehydration

Though less common, dehydration can affect blood viscosity and ESR.

Inflammation

Any inflammatory condition in the body can cause an elevation in ESR.

Bronchiectasis

A chronic lung condition characterized by damaged airways.

Anemia

Certain types of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, can be associated with an elevated ESR.

Behçet's Disease

A rare inflammatory disorder causing blood vessel inflammation.

What are the causes for a falsely elevated ESR value of 63?

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

Hormonal Fluctuations

Beyond the menstrual cycle, fluctuations in hormonal levels can occur due to various factors, including stress, medication changes, or natural hormonal variations. These hormonal shifts may influence the inflammatory response and contribute to variations in ESR levels.

Recent Vaccination

Vaccination stimulates the immune system, triggering an inflammatory response. This immune activity can lead to a temporary increase in ESR levels as part of the body's natural defense mechanism. The elevation is usually transient and not indicative of a pathological condition.

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.

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.

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.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant hormonal and physiological changes. The increased blood volume, hormonal fluctuations, and immune system adaptations can contribute to higher ESR levels. This elevation is often considered normal in pregnant 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.

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.

Sleep Deprivation

Lack of sleep can be associated with changes in inflammatory markers, including ESR. Sleep deprivation disrupts the body's natural regulatory processes, affecting the immune system and potentially leading to an elevation in ESR. Prioritizing sufficient and quality sleep is crucial for overall health.

Sleep Patterns

Disruptions in sleep patterns, including irregular sleep duration and quality, can influence the body's inflammatory response. Sleep deprivation or poor sleep hygiene may contribute to elevated ESR levels. Prioritizing good sleep habits is essential for overall health.

Dehydration

Dehydration can result in reduced plasma volume, affecting blood viscosity. This change in blood composition may lead to an elevation in ESR. It's essential to maintain proper hydration levels for overall health and accurate blood test results.

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 63 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 63 can be classified as below.
If you are in the first three months of pregnancy an ESR of 63 is elevated
If you are in the second trimester or months 3-6 of pregnancy an ESR of 63 is elevated
If you are in the third trimester or months 7-9 of pregnancy an ESR of 63 is normal

What are the symptoms of an ESR of 63 ?

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 63

Fatigue

Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.

Digestive Issues

Irregular bowel movements, diarrhea, or constipation.

Headaches

Recurrent or persistent headaches.

Abdominal Pain

Discomfort or pain in the abdominal region.

Chest Pain

Pain or discomfort in the chest area.

Nausea and Vomiting

Feeling of sickness and vomiting.

Frequent Urination

Increased need to urinate.

Skin Rashes

Unexplained skin eruptions or changes.

Neurological Symptoms

Tingling, numbness, or weakness.

Difficulty Sleeping

Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.

Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Changes in menstrual patterns for women.

Depression

Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

Fever

Elevated body temperature beyond normal range.

Abnormal Blood Counts

Changes in white blood cell count or other blood parameters.

Cough

Persistent or chronic coughing.

Mouth Ulcers

Sores in the mouth that may be painful.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing weight without intentional changes in diet or exercise.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Enlarged and tender lymph nodes.

Night Sweats

Excessive sweating during sleep.

Recurrent Infections

Frequent or persistent infections.

Hair Loss

Unexplained loss of hair.

Dizziness

Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.

Loss of Appetite

Decreased desire to eat.

Dry Eyes and Mouth

Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome.

Muscle Aches

Generalized or localized pain in muscles.

Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing or breathlessness.

Which foods can reduce an ESR of 63 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.

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.

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.

Vegetables

A diverse array of vegetables is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. They provide essential nutrients and phytochemicals that contribute to reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.

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.

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.

What other tests should be done with an ESR of 63 mm/hr ?

For an ESR of 63, 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 63

What is my ESR:CRP ratio for an ESR of 63 mm/hr ?

ESR	CRP	Ratio	Means
63	1.0	63.0	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
63	1.5	42.0	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
63	2.0	31.5	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
63	2.5	25.2	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
63	3.0	21.0	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
63	3.5	18.0	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
63	4.0	15.75	More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE
63	4.5	14.0	Inconclusive
63	5.0	12.6	Inconclusive
63	5.5	11.454545454545455	Inconclusive
63	6.0	10.5	Inconclusive
63	6.5	9.692307692307692	Inconclusive
63	7.0	9.0	Inconclusive
63	7.5	8.4	Inconclusive
63	8.0	7.875	Inconclusive
63	8.5	7.411764705882353	Inconclusive
63	9.0	7.0	Inconclusive
63	9.5	6.631578947368421	Inconclusive
63	10.0	6.3	Inconclusive
63	10.5	6.0	Inconclusive
63	11.0	5.7272727272727275	Inconclusive
63	11.5	5.478260869565218	Inconclusive
63	12.0	5.25	Inconclusive
63	12.5	5.04	Inconclusive
63	13.0	4.846153846153846	Inconclusive
63	13.5	4.666666666666667	Inconclusive
63	14.0	4.5	Inconclusive
63	14.5	4.344827586206897	Inconclusive
63	15.0	4.2	Inconclusive
63	15.5	4.064516129032258	Inconclusive
63	16.0	3.9375	Inconclusive
63	16.5	3.8181818181818183	Inconclusive
63	17.0	3.7058823529411766	Inconclusive
63	17.5	3.6	Inconclusive
63	18.0	3.5	Inconclusive
63	18.5	3.4054054054054053	Inconclusive
63	19.0	3.3157894736842106	Inconclusive
63	19.5	3.230769230769231	Inconclusive
63	20.0	3.15	Inconclusive
63	20.5	3.073170731707317	Inconclusive
63	21.0	3.0	Inconclusive
63	21.5	2.9302325581395348	Inconclusive
63	22.0	2.8636363636363638	Inconclusive
63	22.5	2.8	Inconclusive
63	23.0	2.739130434782609	Inconclusive
63	23.5	2.6808510638297873	Inconclusive
63	24.0	2.625	Inconclusive
63	24.5	2.5714285714285716	Inconclusive
63	25.0	2.52	Inconclusive
63	25.5	2.4705882352941178	Inconclusive
63	26.0	2.423076923076923	Inconclusive
63	26.5	2.3773584905660377	Inconclusive
63	27.0	2.3333333333333335	Inconclusive
63	27.5	2.290909090909091	Inconclusive
63	28.0	2.25	Inconclusive
63	28.5	2.210526315789474	Inconclusive
63	29.0	2.1724137931034484	Inconclusive
63	29.5	2.135593220338983	Inconclusive