From the Research
Stress itself does not directly cause elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and ESR increases are typically associated with specific medical conditions such as infections, autoimmune disorders, certain cancers, or tissue injury. ESR is a blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube, which increases when inflammation is present in the body. While psychological stress can trigger various physiological responses and potentially worsen inflammatory conditions, stress alone is not recognized as a primary cause of elevated ESR values.
Some key factors that can influence ESR values include:
- Demographic factors, such as age and sex, with ESR increasing steadily with age and being higher in females than in males 1
- Lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, with light alcohol drinkers and individuals with high regular physical activity displaying lower ESR values than did alcohol abstainers and individuals with low physical activity, respectively 1
- Metabolic abnormalities, such as obesity and related metabolic syndrome, which are independently and positively associated with higher ESR values 1
It's essential to note that stress can have an indirect impact on ESR by exacerbating underlying inflammatory conditions or contributing to the development of diseases that can cause elevated ESR, such as cardiovascular diseases 2. However, managing stress through relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, and exercise is beneficial for overall health but won't directly normalize an elevated ESR if it's caused by an underlying medical condition. If you have an unexplained elevated ESR, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation rather than attributing it solely to stress. Your doctor will likely consider other symptoms and possibly order additional tests to determine the underlying cause of inflammation.