What health conditions could cause a high sed blood rate?

ESR Specificity: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a useful test, however it is a very non-specific test and that is the most important thing to understand. Additional tests are always needed but it adds information for the physician. The ESR is elevated in certain types of infections, arthritis, anemia, autoimmunity, and several other conditions. See this information from the NIH. http://tinyurl.com/zt2qypx