Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicates

• A. Increased inflammation
• B. Dehydration
• C. Decreased inflammation
• D. Infection only

Answer: (A)

Elevated ESR reflects increased inflammatory activity in the body. When inflammation occurs, the liver releases acute-phase proteins like fibrinogen, which make red blood cells clump and settle faster in a tube. That faster settling shows up as a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It’s a nonspecific marker, so while infections and other inflammatory conditions can raise ESR, dehydration isn’t the primary meaning of an elevated value, and it isn’t limited to infection only. The best interpretation is increased inflammation.