Which factor is most likely associated with an elevated ESR value?

An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is most commonly associated with inflammation in the body. ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube over a specified period, with faster sedimentation rates indicating the presence of acute or chronic inflammatory conditions. Inflammation can cause changes in the plasma proteins, particularly an increase in fibrinogen and globulin levels, which leads to a higher degree of aggregation of red blood cells and, consequently, an increased ESR.

The association of elevated ESR with inflammation is particularly significant because it is often used as a non-specific marker in the diagnosis and monitoring of various inflammatory diseases, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancies. Therefore, when assessing a patient with a high ESR, clinicians often investigate further for underlying inflammatory processes that may be contributing to this result. This context highlights the relevance of inflammation as a key factor leading to an elevated ESR.