ESR 75 mm/hr means : is it normal, good, bad or dangerous?
In this article we discuss what an ESR of 75 means, together with its causes, false elevations and whether it is good, bad or normal. We also delve into reasons for false elevation of ESR, and explain the significance of an ESR of 75 in pregnancy. We conclude with the ESR to CRP ratio that can help distinguish an infection from SLE.
What is ESR?
How is ESR measured?
To measure Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), a healthcare professional collects a small blood sample from the patient's arm, typically from a vein. Before the blood draw, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. The collected blood is then mixed with an anticoagulant to prevent clotting. Subsequently, the blood is placed in a tall, thin tube and positioned upright to allow the red blood cells to settle over a specified period, often 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 common approach to ESR measurement, involves utilizing a specialized Westergren tube for blood collection. In preparation for the test, patients are typically 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 75 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 75
| Range |
Classification |
Comments |
| 0 to 20 |
Normal |
|
| 20-80 |
Elevated |
You are here |
| >80 |
Very High |
|
Normal Range and Grading for Adult Women : ESR 75
| Range |
Classification |
Comments |
| 0 to 20 |
Normal |
|
| 20 to 30 |
Normal above 50 years of age, slightly elevated below 50 years of age |
|
| 30-80 |
Elevated |
You are here |
| >80 |
Very High |
|
Normal Range and Grading for Children : ESR 75
| Range |
Classification |
Comments |
| 0 to 10 |
Normal |
|
| 10-80 |
Elevated |
You are here |
| >80 |
Very High |
|
What does an ESR of 75 mm/hr mean?
An ESR level of 75 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 75 mm/hr good?
An ESR of 75 is not a good value. In adults, or children this value is above normal and needs investigating.
Is an ESR of 75 mm/hr bad?
An ESR of 75 is bad in all populations and should be further investigated.
Is an ESR of 75 mm/hr dangerous?
An ESR of 75 is elevated but not necessarily dangerous
Is an ESR of 75 mm/hr normal?
An ESR of 75
is not normal and is classified as elevated.
What are the causes of an ESR of 75 mm/hr?
An ESR of 75 can have various causing including the following
Certain Medications
Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can influence ESR levels.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
An inflammatory disorder that commonly affects older adults.
Giant Cell Arteritis
An inflammatory disease affecting large blood vessels.
Behçet's Disease
A rare inflammatory disorder causing blood vessel inflammation.
Aging
ESR tends to increase with age, and mild elevation may be normal in elderly individuals.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause elevated ESR.
Temporal Arteritis
An inflammatory condition affecting the blood vessels.
Pregnancy
ESR levels can be higher during pregnancy.
Dehydration
Though less common, dehydration can affect blood viscosity and ESR.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Inflammatory changes in the lungs can lead to an increased ESR.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Impaired kidney function can lead to higher ESR levels.
Myeloma
A type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow.
What are the causes for a falsely elevated ESR value of 75?
There are certain normal or physiological conditions in which the ESR May be falsely elevated or elevated without any abnormality.
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.
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.
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.
Ovulation
The process of ovulation in the menstrual cycle involves hormonal changes that can affect ESR levels. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during ovulation contribute to variations in the inflammatory response, leading to changes in ESR.
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.
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.
Hormonal Contraceptives
The use of hormonal contraceptives can impact hormonal levels in the body, potentially affecting the inflammatory response. This can lead to variations in ESR levels in some individuals. It's important for healthcare providers to consider these factors when interpreting ESR results in individuals using hormonal contraceptives.
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.
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.
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.
Menstrual Cycle
Throughout the menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations, especially variations in estrogen levels, can influence the inflammatory response in the body, leading to periodic changes in ESR. This is particularly noticeable during the menstrual period.
What does an ESR of 75 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 75 can be classified as below.
If you are in the first three months of pregnancy an ESR of 75 is
elevatedIf you are in the second trimester or months 3-6 of pregnancy an ESR of 75 is
elevatedIf you are in the third trimester or months 7-9 of pregnancy an ESR of 75 is
elevated
What are the symptoms of an ESR of 75 ?
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 75
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing or breathlessness.
Difficulty Sleeping
Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness and lack of energy.
Photosensitivity
Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Depression
Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Night Sweats
Excessive sweating during sleep.
Headaches
Recurrent or persistent headaches.
Hair Loss
Unexplained loss of hair.
Vision Changes
Blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
Digestive Issues
Irregular bowel movements, diarrhea, or constipation.
Abdominal Pain
Discomfort or pain in the abdominal region.
Loss of Appetite
Decreased desire to eat.
Skin Rashes
Unexplained skin eruptions or changes.
Fever
Elevated body temperature beyond normal range.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Changes in menstrual patterns for women.
Abnormal Blood Counts
Changes in white blood cell count or other blood parameters.
Joint Pain
Discomfort, swelling, or stiffness in the joints.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Enlarged and tender lymph nodes.
Chest Pain
Pain or discomfort in the chest area.
Cough
Persistent or chronic coughing.
Muscle Aches
Generalized or localized pain in muscles.
Cognitive Impairment
Memory problems or difficulty concentrating.
Nausea and Vomiting
Feeling of sickness and vomiting.
Dry Eyes and Mouth
Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome.
Dizziness
Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
Frequent Urination
Increased need to urinate.
Which foods can reduce an ESR of 75 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What other tests should be done with an ESR of 75 mm/hr ?
For an ESR of 75, 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
| Test |
Description |
| High Sensitivity CRP |
High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test measures inflammation in the body. |
| LDH |
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test assesses tissue damage and disease and inflammation in the body |
| Ferritin |
Ferritin test measures the levels of iron storage in the body, as well as the level of inflammation in the body. |
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 75
What is my ESR:CRP ratio for an ESR of 75 mm/hr ?
| ESR |
CRP |
Ratio |
Means |
| 75 |
1.0 |
75.0 |
More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE |
| 75 |
1.5 |
50.0 |
More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE |
| 75 |
2.0 |
37.5 |
More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE |
| 75 |
2.5 |
30.0 |
More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE |
| 75 |
3.0 |
25.0 |
More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE |
| 75 |
3.5 |
21.428571428571427 |
More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE |
| 75 |
4.0 |
18.75 |
More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE |
| 75 |
4.5 |
16.666666666666668 |
More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE |
| 75 |
5.0 |
15.0 |
More likely to be autoimmune disease flareup of SLE |
| 75 |
5.5 |
13.636363636363637 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
6.0 |
12.5 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
6.5 |
11.538461538461538 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
7.0 |
10.714285714285714 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
7.5 |
10.0 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
8.0 |
9.375 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
8.5 |
8.823529411764707 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
9.0 |
8.333333333333334 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
9.5 |
7.894736842105263 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
10.0 |
7.5 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
10.5 |
7.142857142857143 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
11.0 |
6.818181818181818 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
11.5 |
6.521739130434782 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
12.0 |
6.25 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
12.5 |
6.0 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
13.0 |
5.769230769230769 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
13.5 |
5.555555555555555 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
14.0 |
5.357142857142857 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
14.5 |
5.172413793103448 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
15.0 |
5.0 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
15.5 |
4.838709677419355 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
16.0 |
4.6875 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
16.5 |
4.545454545454546 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
17.0 |
4.411764705882353 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
17.5 |
4.285714285714286 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
18.0 |
4.166666666666667 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
18.5 |
4.054054054054054 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
19.0 |
3.9473684210526314 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
19.5 |
3.8461538461538463 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
20.0 |
3.75 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
20.5 |
3.658536585365854 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
21.0 |
3.5714285714285716 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
21.5 |
3.488372093023256 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
22.0 |
3.409090909090909 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
22.5 |
3.3333333333333335 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
23.0 |
3.260869565217391 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
23.5 |
3.1914893617021276 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
24.0 |
3.125 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
24.5 |
3.061224489795918 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
25.0 |
3.0 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
25.5 |
2.9411764705882355 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
26.0 |
2.8846153846153846 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
26.5 |
2.830188679245283 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
27.0 |
2.7777777777777777 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
27.5 |
2.727272727272727 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
28.0 |
2.6785714285714284 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
28.5 |
2.6315789473684212 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
29.0 |
2.586206896551724 |
Inconclusive |
| 75 |
29.5 |
2.542372881355932 |
Inconclusive |
By: Dr.Bhargav Raut