Is ESR Value Of 65 A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 17 Nov 2015 Answered on

Tue, 8 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi doctor, while planning pregnancy, did some routine blood tests and my ESR turned out to be high(65).. did further tests to investigate and my CRP(normal) is only 3.67 and all other blood counts are absolutely normal.. I recovered from a viral throat infection 2 weeks back without antibiotics, and have a chronic back pain issue.. Is an ESR of 65 without any other symptoms a reason to worry?
Also forgot to mention, my gynaecologist felt the need to reduce my prolactin and stimulate ovulation for conception, so was having 5 days of clomiphene in which period this test was done. I also took cabergoline a day to reduce prolactin.. and Im on thyroid medication daily 25 mcg plus routine folic acid.. no other medication taken, except paracetamol when I had fever 2 weeks back with my throat infection.. the throat was paining bad for 3-4 days and lymph node was tender.. Dont have any symptom as of now though, it resolved with time

Answered by Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
dON'T WORRY

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear and thanks for your query.

Don't worry because this test doesn’t diagnose one specific condition.

Instead, it helps your doctor determine whether you’re experiencing inflammation.
But while CRP is within range and blood test is normal ,you haven't any inflammation.

Many different medications and drugs affect your ESR test results. These include and clomiphene use.

Hence be calm and try to conceive because being on stress can decreases chances to get pregnant.

All the best

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (1 hour later)

Doctor my ANA test only turned out positive.. ++ the lab says.. I have recurring pain under my shoulder blades on bboth sides since several years with 2 tender points.. ds DNA is negative.. No other symptoms.. do you recommend any further evaluation?
Thanks doctor.. that's a relief.. I was concerned if there is anything that can affect pregnancy or the baby after conception or anything that can flare up due to pregnancy?

Answered by Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Have a ESR repeated after one month

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear again and thanks for trusting to us .

A positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test does not automatically mean you have lupus.

Your immune system is your body's natural defense against disease. A positive ANA blood test shows that your immune system is making an antibody (protein) that reacts with components of your body's cells. This is called autoimmunity and may or may not be harmful to your body.

So while a positive ANA may be associated with an autoimmune illness like lupus, it does not mean you have the disease. Approximately 20% of the normal population will have a positive ANA test; positive tests are also seen in other conditions, such as thyroid disease, certain liver conditions, and other autoimmune diseases.

Hence in my opinion there is nothing to worry.

If you where my patient I would recommend to repeat ESR test after one month ,to see if it will be increased or not.

All the best
Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear again.

You are welcome to HCM for every health issue you may have.
I will be glad to be helpful.

All the best

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee