ESR

[Robinsnest72]

Just wanting to ask a question. Had my blood work done and have been feeling quite well so felt my CRP would be good. I know by how I feel what my blood markers will be. My CRP was excellent but my ESR had doubled. I have been on K2 now for 6 weeks and this is he first blood work after taking that. I am questioning is this the reason for the ESR doubling? I questioned the pharmacist before I went on the K2 but she knew nothing about it and said I would have to get it at a Health Store. Well, I buy it at the pharmacy with 1000iu of Vitamin D combined. I had a cardiac ablation done years ago and I would not want to take anything that disturbs my heart. I tried to read up on it but unfortunately can not understand the terminology. K2 is not popular yet in Canada. So, in simple English could this be effecting my ESR reading? No sense in asking he Rhemy when I go in Jan. As he will not know.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Don’t think so, never heard it mentioned on here, certainly didn’t affect mine. HeronNS is the “vitamin” expert, so she can probably advise idc.

Are you sure it hasn’t risen for any other reason - cold, virus, anything that could cause inflammation - even a stubbed toe! Mine went a bit crazy after a knee replacement earlier this year. No longer have GCA!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

All sorts of things will affect ESR - most have nothing to do with PMR which is why in some places they won't check it. Have you a cold or other infection? Was it a single reading that is high? Even leaving the blood sample lying around too long will affect the reading. A high ESR should be checked after a week or so to see if there is a trend. Vit K isn't listed as one of the small number of medications/supplements that affect ESR but that may not be significant.