Abnormal Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate C0438217
A blood test marker that measures how quickly red blood cells settle. Elevated levels may indicate inflammation or infection in the body.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- D64.9
- ICD-11
- 3A00.0
- Body system
- hematologic
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Jaw pain with chewing
Pain or tenderness in the jaw, especially when chewing or talking, often associated with temporal arteritis.
This requires immediate medical attention as it may indicate temporal arteritis, which can cause permanent vision loss.
Vision changes
Sudden vision loss, double vision, or visual disturbances that may be transient or permanent.
Seek immediate emergency care as vision loss from temporal arteritis can be permanent.
Fatigue
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness and lack of energy that does not improve with rest.
Frequency: 60-80% of patients
Fever
(constitutional)Elevated body temperature often accompanied by chills and sweating.
Frequency: 50-70% of patients
Joint pain
(musculoskeletal)Pain, stiffness, or swelling in one or more joints throughout the body.
Frequency: 50-65% of patients
Unintentional weight loss
(constitutional)Losing weight without trying, often due to underlying inflammatory or malignant conditions.
Frequency: 30-45% of patients
Headache
(neurologic)Persistent or severe head pain that may be dull, throbbing, or sharp.
Frequency: 25-40% of patients
Night sweats
(constitutional)Excessive sweating during sleep that may soak through clothing or bedding.
Frequency: 25-35% of patients
Muscle aches
(musculoskeletal)Generalized muscle pain and tenderness throughout the body.
Frequency: 20-35% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Dietary counseling and physical activity plan
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Inflammatory marker workup
Comprehensive evaluation to identify the underlying cause of elevated ESR, including CRP, complete blood count, and targeted imaging.
Anti-inflammatory lifestyle modifications
Regular moderate exercise, stress management techniques, and adequate sleep to help modulate systemic inflammation.
Additional treatment options
Anti-inflammatory diet
Mediterranean-style diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods.
dietaryNSAID therapy for inflammation
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed if an inflammatory condition is confirmed and symptomatic.
medicationTherapeutic exercise program
Guided physical therapy focusing on joint mobility, strength training, and functional movement patterns.
physical_therapyWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate C0438217?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Reference and Selected Procedures for the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test; Approved Standard - Fourth Edition. CLSI document H02-A4. Wayne, PA: CLSI; 2011.
Lipe BC, Dutcher JP. Making sense of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate: a practical review for the clinician. Hospital Physician. 2001;37(8):51-59.
Watson J, Round A, Hamilton W. Raised ESR: how far should we investigate? Postgrad Med J. 2012;88(1040):362-364.
American College of Rheumatology. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of polymyalgia rheumatica. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2010;62(2):169-174.
Hoffbrand AV, Pettit JE, Vyas P. Color Atlas of Clinical Hematology. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier; 2010.
Gaitonde S, Memon Z, Bhattacharya A, et al. Utility of erythrocyte sedimentation rate as an inflammatory marker in patients with acute illness. J Clin Diagn Res. 2019;13(5):BC01-BC04.
Kushner I. C-reactive protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate: still useful markers of inflammation? Am Fam Physician. 2018;97(10):642-644.
World Health Organization. Manual of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Injuries and Causes of Death. 10th Revision. Geneva: WHO; 1992.
Medication Comparisons
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy