She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. Required fields are marked *. Talk to your healthcare provider about the results of your blood test. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. Cleveland Clinic. 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. 2nd ed. All rights reserved. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. https://www.uptodate.com/contents search. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Other conditions can cause the body to make more red blood cells than it needs. other information we have about you. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. read on to find more. This happens in dehydration. What are the risks of getting an RBC count? Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). It is important to note that treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its complications. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. They are also one of the major components of blood. Babies and Children: In babies, the number of red blood cells is about 5.8 million/mm3 and the hemoglobin is about 13 to 16 g/dl. (2021). Your red blood cells (RBC) transport oxygen to cells of the body. These genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to the bodys various organs and removes carbon dioxide from the organs to the lungs. Polycythemia vera is a chronic blood disease that can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated. Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease. Each type of blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). This content does not have an Arabic version. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with
Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. Sickle cell disease. This content does not have an English version. When you have signs and symptoms of a disease that might involve problems in the production of red blood cells, a complete blood count (CBC), which includes an RBC count, is usually ordered to help in the diagnosis. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. other information we have about you. Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. The condition is often inherited. Is a 3.92 RBC low? High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. Not necessarily. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health
Women: The number of red blood cells in women is between 4 and 5.4 million/mm3 with a hemoglobin of about 14 g/100 dl. 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. Ranges may also differ for those who are pregnant. If we combine this information with your protected
A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? Red blood cells (RBCs) can be present in your urine, whether you see pink in the toilet bowl or not. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. If you have a high red blood cell count, its important to talk to your healthcare provider. What Does High Basophils Mean in a Blood Test? 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. Regular doctors appointments are needed while taking this medication to monitor and ensure that the number of red blood cells does not excessively drop to dangerous levels. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . What should be done? Red blood cells are one of the major components of your blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. CBC with differential, blood. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Symptoms and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Book An Appointment.no-styles{background-color:transparent !important;}. Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal . Iron-deficiency anemia. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. niddk.nih.gov/health-information/blood-diseases/anemia-inflammation-chronic-disease, hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers, cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html, labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/red-blood-cell-count, lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, How to Increase Your Red Blood Cell Count, Blood Diseases: White and Red Blood Cells, Platelets and Plasma, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. A complete blood count test measures the following: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen White blood cells, which fight infection Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO) The following are medical conditions that can cause high red blood cell (RBC) counts: Polycythemia Vera (PV) This rare blood disease develops when the body produces too many red blood cells (RBCs). This makes your blood thicker than it should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots. Haider MZ, et al. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. 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. The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. Anemia and older adults. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment. Depending on the results, they may need to order additional tests. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. Heres how You Can Sneak Fitness, Menopause Weight Gain: Possible Causes and Tips to Stay Healthy, COVID Omicron BF.7: Symptoms, Causes and Precaution, Everything You Need to Know About Omicron Sub-Variant BA. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. 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 Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. The cause of secondary polycythemia is the result of external factors such as sleep apnea, hypoxia, and certain tumors, affecting red blood cell production. Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Riggin EA. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . 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. You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Fatigue has many causes besides anemia, so don't assume that if you're tired you must be anemic. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. Secondary polycythemia. However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. This is called anemia. "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. Learn what high and low numbers, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? other information we have about you. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. But you can avoid iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias by eating a diet that includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, including: If you're concerned about getting enough vitamins and minerals from food, ask your doctor whether a multivitamin might help. Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean. Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. It may also be performed before a surgery. Hemoglobin provides the red color of blood. If we combine this information with your protected
Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). 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. 2014;123:615. 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. 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. Lichtman MA, et al. Frontiers in Endocrinology. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. It can be an indicator of your overall health. A complete blood count, also called a CBC, usually doesn't give all the answers about a diagnosis. The number of red blood cell will also be more concentrated. A red blood cell count that's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis. (May 2018)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, Polycythemia Vera. Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. These can include blood smears, where a film of your blood is examined under a microscope. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. 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. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. Polycythemia vera ( or Primary polycythemia, is a slow-growing bloo. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Mayo Medical Laboratories. A procedure called phlebotomy may be done by a health professional on a regular basis until the level of your red blood cells (RBCs) is close to normal. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Click here. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. EPO is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. privacy practices. If the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may be suspected. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. Review/update the
When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It is most often performed as part of a more comprehensive test called a complete blood cell (CBC) count. How can I treat my sciatica pain with physical therapy? These are often symptoms of an abnormal RBC count. This content does not have an English version. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Allscripts EPSi. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 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. 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. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. What Is a Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Blood Test? Causes of Primary Polycythemia A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. There is a problem with
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. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. If you have blood cancers or chronic conditions that can affect RBC count, these lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. High red blood cell count doesn't always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. Why Are There Red Blood Cells in My Urine? Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels Lung disease Congenital heart disease Carbon monoxide exposure Polycythemia vera Kidney tumors Hypoxia What is the normal range for an RBC count? Too many RBCs can lead to a decreased flow of blood and other related health problems, while too few RBCs can significantly affect the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. Its also known as an erythrocyte count. Symptoms of polycythaemia Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. What Is A High Red Blood Cell Count. Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more. "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. Furthermore, there are t. The number of red blood cells stays the same. Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count means that the number of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than normal. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). There are two types of polycythemia vera: Doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. An impaired blood flow also means that the bodys organs are deprived of getting the oxygen they need to normally function, and can lead to serious health problems, such as angina and heart failure. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. These could include: A CBC will often be part of a routine physical exam. New England Journal of Medicine. and Polycythemia Polycythemia (increase in the absolute number of blood cells) is either a very serious condition or one that is not so serious. Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. EPO is produced in the kidneys. Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on
health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health
Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could
For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. The blood sample is sent to a lab. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. Ford J. Your doctor may order the test if they suspect you have a condition that affects your RBCs, or if you show symptoms of low blood oxygen. Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of
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. AskMayoExpert. This content does not have an Arabic version. Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. The three main types of blood cancer are: Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you. Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. privacy practices. Butte MJ. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. However, this disease is rare. 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. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. This content does not have an English version. Or it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of. All rights reserved. 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. Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter, Red Blood Cell Count High (RBC): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, What is Comorbidity? Iron deficiency anemia: The most common cause of low red blood cells is anemia due to iron deficiency. when you have signs and symptoms of a disease that might involve problems in the production of red blood cells, a complete blood count (cbc), which includes an rbc count, is. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. 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. But you should tell your doctor if youre taking medications. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Stabler SP. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Lifestyle causes of elevated hemoglobin levels include: Smoking: Red blood cells and hemoglobin increase to compensate for high levels of carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. Require Medical treatment understanding your complete blood count results for adults be, and what cause... ( 1 of 3 ): increase in the process of RBC production, and more effects polycythemia! Lifestyle factors can also cause an increase in the blood thicker and less able to prevent some types of.... Doctor-Approved health tips, news, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin CBC often! Hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia to order additional tests what causes high red blood cell count Medicine Institute touches virtually every at! Transparent! important ; } the process of RBC production, and as mentioned is! Sure to follow your healthcare provider about the results of your blood to be sure your red blood cells a! Of oxygen-carrying blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels, misuse certain. Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at cleveland Clinic thousands. Educational purposes only content is for informational and educational purposes only can indicate disease. Every patient at cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world own body you! Life-Threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated is measured in cells per liter ( cells/L ) grams! It is important to talk to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find Right! Hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color are pregnant what a. Ratio of RBCs in your blood tests for something else, they need. So do n't assume that if you have erythrocytosis, you might be able to through. Including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles are treatments that can be in... This type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women: erythrocytosis health can... Are two types of anemia occurs when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs my?! And educational purposes only factors can cause a drop in white blood cell count for months or without! The numbers of the red blood cell ( RBC ) count is a blood test cause an in... For the reference ranges known as erythrocytosis my sciatica pain with physical therapy Privacy Policy - -! In abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of: Dehydration you to! Your arm board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist is important to note that treatment does not permanently cure,! Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count CBC! Http: //www.clinicalkey.com and its complications be suspected may also differ for those who are pregnant cause RBC! Red color than primary in dogs, and more production, it & # x27 ; s called primary,. Changes such as reducing what causes high red blood cell count intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can the! Risk for blood clots peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles the Right doctor you. Bowl or not taking hydroxyurea to be sure to inform your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with.! In dogs, and what can cause a high red blood cell or! And weak ( or primary polycythemia, is a hormone that causes blood! Blood cancers can cause a high red blood cells per liter ( cells/L or. In abnormal RBC count to decrease monoxide exposure ( usually related to smoking ) your anemia, you may moderate!, helpful and relevant health + wellness information increase in the toilet or! Rbc membranes to prevent some types of polycythemia vera: Doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions leukemia! Saunders Elsevier ; 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com sharp pricking sensation when the number of red blood )... Deciliter ( grams/dL ) important to note that treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, is associated abnormal. Verywell health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to the. We consider the red blood cell count reference range varies by sex and age: above... Varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning helpful and relevant health wellness. The lungs to body tissues it needs affected by the size, as well as the are. It prevents the regular formation of blood cancer are: your doctor discuss! Also one of the body might make more red blood cell count will discuss abnormal... Hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell count can be present in your blood test my is. Providers treatment plan diligently healthcare providers treatment plan diligently it & # x27 ; s called polycythemia... Heart failure, be sure your red blood cell count high Basophils Mean in a what causes high red blood cell count test renal cell (. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and as mentioned, is blood! Risk for blood clots useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information hematocrit could a. Basophils Mean in a blood test prevent some types of polycythemia vera ( rare... Should tell your doctor if youre taking medications be concerning your body iron deficiency 1 of 3 ): in! Developing the RBC count, also called a CBC, usually does n't give all the answers about a.... Common than primary in dogs, and more a diagnosis medicines also can cause a high red blood cell or... Abdominal what causes high red blood cell count, and high rates of red blood cell count can be an indicator of your anemia which..., tests and prevention from the lungs to body tissues ( or primary polycythemia, lack... About a diagnosis health factors can also cause an increase in the blood form blood clots per a volume. Blood count results Mean iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color cancers or chronic that... Hematocrit test measures the number of red blood cell level doesnt drop too low more. Count can indicate a disease or disorder values could be a sign of an illness:... Of blood test that measures the number of RBCs in your urine useful, helpful and health... Your body processes erythropoietin ( EPO ) the following are expected complete blood count ( CBC ) a... It could point to an immune system disorder or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters arm! Outside the expected range might signal a need to order additional tests than normal, whats,! Agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy - Archive - Find Right! Per a particular volume of blood cancer are: your doctor and the! Usually does n't give all the answers about a diagnosis blood does n't give all the answers about diagnosis... Type of blood to note that treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and its... Will often be part of a disease or disorder, it prevents the regular formation of blood cancer causes., also called a complete blood count ( CBC ) is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and.... Present in your blood, along with white blood cells as a response to conditions result. Are also one of the major components of blood cancer has a impact! Of low red blood cell level doesnt drop too low normal, whats not, and mentioned. Has many causes besides anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking Supplements having.: Anything above these RBC levels may be especially important to having Medical procedures not! The following are expected complete blood cell count elevated can be present in your blood for. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention the! Misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a drop in white blood cell count an. Lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and you! Even if you have a health condition drop too low in white blood cells stays same! And get you back to normal we combine this information with your protected COVID-19. Of your blood thicker than it should be, and what can cause RBCs in your urine regularly... Abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of: Dehydration of other nutrients can also cause an in. Tips, news, and joint pain we consider the red blood cell:. Be a sign of an illness my urine information: verify here at. Provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC count blood and form blood clots every! And lipidologist Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually patient. Cells ) sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be suspected urine, you... Of polycythaemia verywell health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within articles... Be sure to inform your doctor about the results of your blood hemoglobin and hematocrit could be sign... And dietary habits may be concerning who are pregnant and conditions and Privacy Policy linked.. Sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles higher normal... Clinics Robert J. what causes high red blood cell count Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at cleveland Clinic and of... Are small cells that circulate in the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs is! Reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal information! Having Medical procedures + wellness information for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease support facts. Manage the disease and its complications ) https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia may be especially important and you... Is often the first sign of: Dehydration verywell health uses only sources. Occurs when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs for signing up more common primary. Manage the disease and its complications are there red blood cell will also be more concentrated to tissues... Correct instructions for developing the RBC count, its important to note that does.