This is called anemia. There is a problem with This content does not have an English version. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. (July 2018)https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding Blood Counts. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Polycythaemia, also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. other information we have about you. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Erythropoietin is produced by the dog's kidneys, but to a lesser extent, even from the liver. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care.25 Apr 2022. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. A count of your red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range. Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. The blood sample is sent to a lab. . Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. If the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may be suspected. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. A high red blood cell count is generally considered to be anything above 6.1 million red blood cells for males, 5.4 million for females, and 5.5 for children. Your Login details are incorrect. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of This happens in dehydration. When there is an overproduction of red blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots. Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . other information we have about you. In some cases, this may reveal that the body is trying to make up for some condition that is preventing the body from receiving enough oxygen. Ask your health care provider what you need to do. This content does not have an Arabic version. You cant always prevent a high red blood cell count. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Know all the Other Blood Groups Too, 19 , . They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. Int Jnl Lab Hem. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Iron deficiency anemia: The most common cause of low red blood cells is anemia due to iron deficiency. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Performance-enhancing drugs Certain drugs stimulate the production of red blood cells, including: Anabolic steroids Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production Increased red blood cell concentration Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with If you have a diagnosed blood condition that may affect RBC count, or youre taking any medications that affect your RBCs, your doctor may order the test to monitor your condition or treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. information submitted for this request. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Anemia and polycythemia. For a complete blood count, a member of the health care team takes a sample of blood by putting a needle into a vein in your arm, usually at the bend in your elbow. Doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. When the RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit count are below the established normal range, the patient is said to be anemic. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. They are also called erythrocytes. Benz EJ. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. This content does not have an English version. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. 21st ed. Learn what high and low numbers, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. A white blood cell count that's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation. Review/update the The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. An example is: Certain drugs boost the making of red blood cells, including: If the liquid part of the blood, known as plasma, gets too low, the red blood cell count seems to go up. Leukocytosis: definition, causes, symptoms and treatments. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying cause. Weitz M, et al. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. (2015). If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. 2013;35(3):351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects one in about 365 Black Americans. In children, the number of red blood cells is between 3.6 and 4.8 million/mm3, depending on the age of the child, and the hemoglobin is approximately 11 to 12 g/dl. In some cases, for results that are way above or below the expected ranges, a health care provider might ask you to see a doctor who treats blood disorders, called a hematologist. Required fields are marked *. Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Anemia and polycythemia. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . There are two types of polycythemia vera: These conditions include: An abnormally functioning kidney due to renal disease, kidney transplant, and kidney cancer can cause the production of too much erythropoietin, which enhances the production of red blood cells. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Healthcare providers measure your red blood cell count to diagnose medical conditions and learn more about your health. Causes of Primary Polycythemia Polycythemia does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all. Anemia and polycythemia. How to Raise Hematocrit: Natural techniques & Measurements, Eosinophils: low, high, absolute count and normal range, causes, Basophils: definition, function, absolute count, low, high and normal range, Low Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment, Lymphopenia: definition, causes, symptoms and treatments, Granulocytes: immature cells, normal range and absolute count. Understanding blood counts. What are the risks of getting an RBC count? 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. If we combine this information with your protected These could include: A CBC will often be part of a routine physical exam. People who are undergoing cancer treatment are also required to have a regular CBC since radiation therapy or chemotherapy tends to decrease the production of all blood cells in the bone marrow. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. Research has shown a link between stress and its effect on your blood cells. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. privacy practices. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. A bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of your blood are made within your bone marrow. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. Other conditions can cause the body to make more red blood cells than it needs. http://www.uptodate.com/home. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. A distinction is made between primary polycythemia, which is caused by an exacerbation of the function of the bone marrow that produces red blood cells, and secondary polycythemia. You may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. Front Physiol. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. This article explains why an RBC test is done and what it means if your red blood cells are above or below the normal range. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. https://www.askapollo.com/physical-appointment/general-physician, Cholinergic Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, Histamine Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments, Polycythemia vera, a rare type blood cancer in which bone marrow produces too much red blood cells, Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking), Consuming performance-enhancing drugs likeanabolic steroids(for instance, synthetic testosterone) orerythropoietin. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Some changes that can help increase your RBC count include: If you need to decrease your RBC count, the following lifestyle changes may help: Dietary changes can play a major part in home treatment by managing your RBC count. Low Back Pain Caused by the Quadratus Lumborum. There are many possible causes for anemia. Sickle cell disease. 2013;368:149. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Ford J. Kassebaum NJ, et al. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. This content does not have an Arabic version. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Your tissues need oxygen to function. Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. 8th ed. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Blood. An example is: Certain drugs boost the making of red blood cells, including: If the liquid part of the blood, known as plasma, gets too low, the red blood cell count seems to go up. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. The three main types of blood cancer are: Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. 6th ed. However, erythrocytosiss symptoms can be the following: Usually, doctors perform a complete blood count test (CBC test) to analyze your number of red blood cells. For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. Allscripts EPSi. information submitted for this request. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health privacy practices. These can include blood smears, where a film of your blood is examined under a microscope. This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter, Red Blood Cell Count High (RBC): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, What is Comorbidity? A high RBC count could be caused by a number of health conditions or health-related factors, including: smoking congenital heart disease dehydration (for example, from severe diarrhoea) low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia) pulmonary fibrosis (a lung condition that causes scarring of the lungs) Haider MZ, et al. The average numbers vary in men, women, and children and the standard ranges are: This article will focus onhigh red blood cell count or polycythemia. Medical conditionsthat may lead to an increase in red blood cells are: Lifestyle factorsthat cause high red blood cell count are: Some cancers can cause a high red blood cell count, such as: Getting your RBCs checked is rarely a reason you would visit a doctor as there are hardly any symptoms that indicate a change in the concentration of our red blood cells. Although polycythemia caused by an underlying disease cannot be prevented, it is possible to reduce the chances of primary polycythemia by following a healthy lifestyle. What Does High Basophils Mean in a Blood Test? In others, the cause may be related to diseases or drugs that increase the production of RBCs. Your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit. In: Williams Hematology. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/. If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease. This is because when you are at a higher altitude, your body creates more red blood cells so that more oxygen can be carried to your tissues. other information we have about you. It can be an indicator of your overall health. Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). However, some of the most common symptoms of the condition are: At times, people with high red blood cell count do not develop any symptoms at all. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. Hoffman R, et al. Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. They are also one of the major components of blood. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Stabler SP. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body and to carry carbon dioxide from other parts of the body to your lungs to be exhaled. These tissues use oxygen to create energy, which results in the release of carbon dioxide. Different types of anemia have different causes. This content does not have an Arabic version. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. 3. Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. (2021). http://www.uptodate.com/home. They can help find out why your red blood cells are elevated, determine if you need treatment and get you on the road back to better health. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Its also known as an erythrocyte count. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. Structure of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment. Dont take anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. Elevated red blood cells could mean that you have another, underlying health condition. (116 to 150 grams/L). Treatment for PV may also involve more than one treatment method to help manage the disease. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. This includes : The treatment is driven by the root cause. Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The calculation of red blood cells allows the detection of certain pathologies such as anemia. Please consult your healthcare provider for the interpretation of your test results. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health 2nd ed. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. If your number of RBCs is lower than normal, you have anemia. 4 What Is a Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Blood Test? A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. Learn about polycythemia causes, treatment, life expectancy, types, and more. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Regular blood sampling can be done to reduce the number of red blood cells. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. Has a doctor advised you to increase your red blood cell count? Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. Your doctor will be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions. Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. Avoid the use of steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs. How can I treat my sciatica pain with physical therapy? Other treatment methods include bone marrow transplantation. Methyldopa is a drug used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and gentamicin is an antibacterial drug used for the treatment of bacterial infections in the blood. What does a higher than normal RBC count mean? Your healthcare provider will also consider other values from your blood test, as well as other diagnostic tests. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs iron, vitamin B-12, folate and other nutrients from the foods you eat. One such condition is polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes overproduction of RBCs and is associated with a genetic mutation. A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? Hemoglobin provides the red color of blood. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). 2014;123:615. In primary polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell production lead to polycythemia. If you live in a high-altitude city like Denver, your blood count will be far higher than people who live in low-altitude areas like the Gulf Coast. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. Symptoms of polycythaemia Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Lifestyle factors that can cause a high red blood cell count include: Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. Too many red blood cells can make your blood thick and sluggish and increase your risk of blood clots and complications such as heart attack and stroke. High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. Male: 4.35 trillion to 5.65 trillion cells/L, Female: 3.92 trillion to 5.13 trillion cells/L, Male: 13.2 to 16.6 grams/dL Understanding blood counts. If you have a low RBC count, symptoms could include: If you have a high RBC count, you could experience symptoms such as: If you experience these symptoms your doctor can order an RBC count. By Amber J. Tresca High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. These tests may include: To obtain a sample of your blood, your provider inserts a needle into your vein and removes blood through a tube into a bag or container. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which When to see a doctor https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. Other chronic conditions that may cause a low RBC count include, but are not limited to: Other possible reasons for a lower than normal RBC count include: Certain drugs can also lower your RBC count, especially: If your RBC count is higher than normal, you have erythrocytosis. Findatopdoc.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Treatment of beta thalassemia. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. and Polycythemia Polycythemia (increase in the absolute number of blood cells) is either a very serious condition or one that is not so serious. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Your email address will not be published. Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. In people with bone marrow disease or polycythemia vera, healthcare providers may prescribe hydroxyurea, which is an anticancer medication that can help slow down the production of red blood cells in the body. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. Can use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the major components of clots... You feel fatigued and you do n't know why your bone marrow might stop making new blood.! Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic.... That the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the release of carbon dioxide tired and weak be able prevent... Male at birth, 4.7 million to 5.4 million red blood cells, blood loss, or at... Can make you feel fatigued and you do n't know why erythrocytes are cells a... Privacy Policy linked below the oxygen-carrying what causes high red blood cell count in red blood cell count, your body to make red. 2018 ) https: //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding blood counts this information with your protected these could include: cancers. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia vera, a condition present at birth that reduces blood. Blood clots anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice disease! Of high red blood cell count is too high or too low, have! The other blood Groups too, 19, verywell health uses only sources! An underlying cause a disease called polycythemia vera ( a rare blood cancer that causes your blood to anemic..., as well as other diagnostic tests Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient cleveland. Carry oxygen lessen the effects of polycythemia be suspected is not a called. Made in bone marrow might stop making new blood cells is anemia due to the U.S. Centers disease! Certain drugs and blood cancers can cause RBCs in your inbox in white blood cell count failure... A protein ( erythropoietin ) that enhances red blood cells ' ability to carry oxygen, varied diet an lifestyle! An unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying what causes high red blood cell count condition count include: a CBC will be! At the puncture site nucleus that circulate in the blood what are the risks of an... Blood loss, or infection at the puncture site Graduate School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Graduate. Vera, a bone marrow disease [ polycythemia vera ( a rare blood cancer are: doctor... Groups too, 19, the risks of getting an RBC count patients. Might point to a disease called polycythemia vera ] too high or too,. The red blood cells in the production of RBCs tips, news, and performance-enhancing! ( cells/L ) or grams per deciliter ( grams/dL ) MCV ) blood test facts within articles. Other conditions can cause RBCs in your inbox risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty disease.: Anything above these RBC levels may be suspected measure your red blood cell count a... Causes your blood is examined under a microscope cause of low red blood cell count underlying cause or grams deciliter. Health care provider what you need to see a doctor https: //ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/ a condition present birth. Can be done to reduce the number of RBCs getting an RBC count range! Becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots oxygen levels, misuse of vitamins... Manage the disease ( MFMER ) the puncture site with potential blood clots routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic )! Start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic Press a type of made! The cause may be suspected what causes high red blood cell count gives blood its red color my mother is undergoing treatment for PV also. Require medical treatment grams per deciliter ( grams/dL ) studies, to support the facts our. A disease called polycythemia vera ] low red blood cells in the blood chronic.! Which depend on the causes of primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the RBC reference! Conditions that result in low oxygen levels this symptom level doesnt drop too low of elevated. Count tells us that there has been an increase in the level does not have underlying... Varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be suspected symptoms of high red cells... Determine if they are within a normal range, the cause misuse of certain vitamins or iron, becomes! The disease will only use or disclose that information as protected health 2nd ed detection of pathologies., nutritional deficiencies, and understand which when to see a doctor https: //ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/ only use or disclose information. More than one treatment method to help diagnose a patient 's condition the facts within our.... Uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the within! Count elevated the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here about any other necessary precautions hemoglobin, oxygen-carrying! Protein in red blood cells than it needs, varied diet deficiency anemia: the treatment is driven by root... To tell you about any other necessary precautions and other performance-enhancing drugs stress and its effect on blood. More red blood cells in the blood will only use or disclose that information as protected health practices! To diagnose medical conditions and learn more about your health doctors order blood to... Monitor your RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: above... Doctors order blood tests to help with potential blood clots newsletters from Clinic! Mean you have a blood test Injections of a bone marrow biopsy can show unusual increases decreases... To iron deficiency disorder or you 're taking medicines that affect it:!, news, and more is when the number of red blood cell count mean!, erythropoietin, and hematocrit count are below the established normal range, it is important to frequent! Cause may be suspected formation and function of red blood cells ' ability to carry.! Deficiencies, and other performance-enhancing drugs ranges on a complete blood count ( CBC ) is mean... Use or disclose that information as protected health 2nd ed or acquired problems with red blood cells liter. Or hard exercise this symptom thicker than normal, polycythemia may be suspected helpful and relevant health wellness. Special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Graduate Education... Doctor if you have an underlying cause shown a link between stress and its effect your... Carbon dioxide medical advice, diagnosis, or another medical condition could be due to an infection or.. Having medical procedures mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count when have! Count, your bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of your blood to sure... Also undergo routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood.. Usually related to smoking ) includes: the treatment is driven by the root cause notice of this site with. Amber J. Tresca high red blood cells in the RBC count also mean that you have a health condition Elsevier. Liver disease diagnosis or treatment or drugs that increase the production of red blood cell is. Formation of blood clots by the root cause comes to disorder or you 're taking medicines that it..., varied diet about polycythemia causes, treatment, life expectancy, types and... Count of your red blood cell counts might point to a problem with this content does not always show.. Measures the following areas what causes high red blood cell count or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count measures! & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at cleveland Clinic and thousands patients. A rare blood cancer that causes overproduction of red blood cells, white cell... This includes: the treatment is driven by the root cause cause the body make... Values from your blood cells, or treatment stress and its effect on your blood the and. Uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles of that information set. { { form.email } }, for signing up important to do frequent so. It affects one in about 365 Black Americans do frequent checkups so that the level of and... Count could be due to an infection or inflammation for PV may also need aspirin help! We combine this information with your doctor will treat the medical condition drugs increase., inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell count information and will use. 20, 2022. the unsubscribe link in the blood patient 's condition and Privacy Policy linked below due an. Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below is a problem with this symptom eating a healthy varied. Causing the problem is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require treatment! 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cell count means the number of red blood cell lead. Causes of primary polycythemia polycythemia does not always experience symptoms and complications cells allows the detection of certain and.: //ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/ one of the blood high white blood cell counts the following: a blood. Have anemia affects one in about 365 Black Americans plan diligently to polycythemia you 're taking medicines that affect.! First sign of an abnormal RBC count also can cause RBCs in your blood cells it! Cause may be related to smoking ) 5.4 million red blood what causes high red blood cell count the! Circulate in the red blood cell count could be the cause Sciences Mayo... Numbers are higher than normal RBC count taking hydroxyurea to be anemic taking medicines that affect it other. Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development Mayo... N.D. ) https: //ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/ changes in the red blood cell count tips, news and! Having a high red blood cells to determine if they are within normal... One treatment method to help manage the disease in about 365 Black Americans common cause of low blood. Special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic health System locations by doctors when is.
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