Fest J, et al. - Using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, authors analyzed the links between moderately and markedly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels and all-cause mortality. Study participants included 5,226 individuals (mean age: 70.3 years) from the Rotterdam study (1990–2014). They observed both a moderately and markedly elevated ESR correlated with a significantly higher risk of overall mortality, with a hazard ratio of 1.23. In a group of study participant aged > 75 years without any comorbidities, they recorded an ESR > 20 mm h⁻¹, which remained linked to a significantly increased risk of mortality. Overall, according to findings, high ESR is an independent prognostic factor for mortality and, although ESR increases with age, it remains associated with increased mortality risk, warranting close follow-up.