ESR

[Caza]

Can anyone tell me what it means if you have a raised ESR score? Please.

[KittyJ]

Scroll down and it’s on here

nhs.uk/conditions/blood-tes...

[Caza in reply to KittyJ]

Thank you 🙏

[Biofreak]

Hi. It means that your inflammation level is up.

[Hidden]

In laymen's terms: CRP is a measure of inflammation/ ESR tends to point to ‘underlying disease activity’ [also inflammation]. CRP is the measure rheumatologists prefer.

[Caza in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks

[helixhelix]

It can mean you have an infection, or that your Inflammatory disease is active and you have inflammation. The higher the level the worse this is likely to be - it can be in the hundreds.

Or it can mean nothing! As some people have naturally high levels, and some people have naturally low levels.

[Caza]

Thank you. Makes sense.

[bienassis in reply to Caza]

Yes, as Helix says the level of ESR can vary from individual to individual naturally. I don't know your age but it is usually higher in the elderly whether or not they have RA.

When I was diagnosed the CRP wasn't available but I understand that it is now the preferred test for RA. It is more reliable apparently.

[Caza in reply to bienassis]

It isn’t actually for me, I was asking for a friend. She’s 60 & has just starting this journey. My bloods have always been borderline so I was of no help to her. Thanks for replying

[bienassis in reply to Caza]

Sorry for the misunderstanding! Your friend, at 60, would definitely not be classed as elderly!