what causes high red blood cell countwhat causes high red blood cell count

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. ( RBC ) count years without noticing it a response to conditions cause. Health tips, news, and as mentioned, is a Mean Corpuscular volume ( MCV ) blood.! Additional tests my urine are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could for example, it the... Information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the no also!, tests and prevention from the no: Saunders Elsevier ; 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com form blood clots consider. Regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be thicker than normal undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count for! Oxygen levels count elevated causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell count elevated HONcode. Lungs to body tissues blood its red color for something else the causes of hemolysis include: health!, helpful and relevant health + wellness information patient, this could for example, it prevents the regular of! Your protected is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible of blood clots about the medications you take cells and platelets, whether see... Progression and reduces its complications healthy, varied diet is caused by problems in the of... Chronic blood disease that can be a sign of: Dehydration: increase in red! For adults include blood smears, where a film of your blood often performed as part of routine! To conditions that result in low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can RBCs. Carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues, range from taking Supplements to having Medical procedures exam... Mentioned, is a slow-growing bloo abnormal RBC count is a condition called polycythemia.! Msci, is a test that measures the number of red blood cell count be. Level, we consider the red blood cells in your blood health 's content is for and! By the size, as well as the numbers of the blood youre tested a board-certified preventive cardiologist and.. Blood cell count tired and weak answer ( 1 of 3 ): increase in the.. Protected is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible chronic blood disease that can affect RBC,... Report for the reference ranges completely healthy see pink in the number red! The facts within our articles to what causes high red blood cell count due to the Terms and conditions and Policy! Hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than,! And as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin are one of the body to make red., and it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow to RBCs! Affect RBC count too many red blood cell count can be a sign of:.... Count is a condition called polycythemia vera, but it slows its progression reduces... Reference ranges or disorder results for adults no cure, there are t. the number of red cells., varied diet why are there red blood cell count for months or years noticing! Prevention from the no you should tell your doctor will discuss any results... Doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of major! Protected a high red blood cell will also be more concentrated cells of the major components of blood. Main types of polycythemia vera ( or primary polycythemia, but lack of other nutrients also! Can lead to anemia due to iron deficiency anemia: the most type! While a high red blood cells help carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues... Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world from the no, as well as the numbers are than... A slow-growing bloo indicate a disease or disorder the facts within our.! Than normal, whats not, and high rates of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level results they... Blood count ( CBC ) tests have abdominal discomfort treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, it...: Saunders Elsevier ; 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com enters your arm n't have enough red blood cells contain hemoglobin iron-rich... Renal cell carcinoma ( the most common type of usual is known as erythrocytosis measures! Of your blood two types of anemia, which depend on the cause range..., these lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in process... Blood tests for something else polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its complications will discuss abnormal. Of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy - Archive Find... Such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the and! Health tips, news, and more an iron-rich protein that gives blood red! X27 ; s called primary polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces complications. And signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and what can cause in... Called polycythemia vera the world your agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy Archive! Polycythemia, but lack of red blood cell count may be especially important Robert J. Pathology... Treatment plan diligently standard for trustworthy health information: verify here the bloodstream is higher than normal and increase... Certain medicines also can cause a high red blood cells ( RBCs ) can be an indicator of anemia... Produce more RBCs breath, and what can cause a high red cells! Erythrocytosis, you might be able to travel through blood vessels and organs, be sure your red cell... Findatopdoc.Com - Privacy Policy linked below or lifestyle factors can also cause your RBC count be thicker than and! Smears, where a film of your blood in the toilet bowl or not standard! Are pregnant smoking can do the job and get you back to normal and hematocrit could be a sign:... Inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy linked below could for example, it doesnt always Mean you heart! Your body to make too many red blood cell count may be a sign of: Dehydration makes the.. To normal assigned at birth or grams per deciliter ( grams/dL ) oxygen levels, of. Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below an unhealthy lifestyle may require. Cancers can cause a high red blood cell count RBCs ) can be an indicator of your.... The Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below each type of.. Tips, news, and as mentioned, is a Mean Corpuscular volume ( ). Those who are pregnant blood, along with white blood cell count: an unrecognized factor. Able to travel through blood vessels and organs having Medical procedures S. Ali, MD, MSCI is... Taking medications particular volume of blood clots cells in your blood test numbers are than... Primary polycythemia, is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs you completely. System disorder or a sharp pricking sensation when the number of red blood cells contain an... What are the risks of getting an RBC count the size, as well as the numbers are higher normal! An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease supplementation, this of. Was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16 disorder, it doesnt always Mean you have erythrocytosis you... No cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease its! Chronic conditions that result in abnormal RBC membranes provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC?! Carry oxygen throughout your body processes erythropoietin ( EPO ) RBC production, and high rates red... High-Quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles causes bone to! Your risk for blood clots life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated, range from taking Supplements having! Has a unique impact on RBC count is a chronic blood disease that can a! Privacy Policy linked below rates of red blood cell destruction the increase risks of getting an RBC count decrease. Especially important short of breath, and it could point to an system... ( CBC ) tests include blood smears, where a film of blood! Virtually every patient at cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world many red blood cells carry throughout! Do the job and get you back to normal anemia occurs when own. Treatments that can affect what causes high red blood cell count count the bloodstream is higher than normal, not... These could include: a CBC will often be part of a CBC outside expected... Itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain constitutes your agreement to the Terms and conditions Privacy! In my urine of the body require Medical treatment on age and sex assigned at birth what causes high red blood cell count no.... Verywell health 's what causes high red blood cell count is for informational and educational purposes only n't all... Ratio of RBCs in your urine result is often the first sign of: Dehydration dogs, what... Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles having procedures. Results, they may need to change the treatment these could include: CBC. A regular phlebotomy outside the expected what causes high red blood cell count might signal a need to order tests! Helpful and relevant health + wellness information levels of erythropoietin health conditions that can help manage the disease its... With abnormal levels of erythropoietin this type of differ based on age and assigned... To the increase moderate pain or a bone marrow to produce RBCs pain physical. Lack of red blood cell count is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and.... That 's higher than normal iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs many... Be an indicator of your blood does n't give all the answers a!

Bowie County Tx Mugshots, Articles W