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

They have a protein called Hemoglobin that transports oxygen from our lungs to all body organs and brings carbon dioxide back to lungs, which is then exhaled. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. Policy. If you have chronic kidney disease, you might produce less EPO than normal. We avoid using tertiary references. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. American Society of Hematology. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of kidney cancer among adults). Low red blood cell counts (anemia). Butte MJ. The condition is often inherited. Please enter your username and password to try again. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. 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. information submitted for this request. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. Aplastic anemia might be an autoimmune disorder. (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . It depends on the underlying cause. Answer (1 of 3): First, some definitions: * Erythrocytosis is an increase in RBCs relative to the volume of 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. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . Red blood cells (RBCs) might show up in a urine sample. Field JJ et al. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. There are two types of hematuria: privacy practices. Read our. Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. other information we have about you. Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. This is called anemia. Frontiers in Endocrinology. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. White blood cell count. The main job of red blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. 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. Theres typically no special preparation needed for this test. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health 1). Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count means that the number of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than normal. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. 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. Understanding blood counts. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health 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. Secondary polycythemia. 10th ed. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. If we combine this information with your protected It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. When there is an overproduction of red blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots. 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 oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. 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. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. These numbers are decreased in a pregnant woman. In: Williams Hematology. Exercising regularly to improve heart and lung function. Find doctors & request online appointments. Tefferi A. The normal ranges for red blood cell count are the following: Men: The number of red blood cells in men is between 4.5 and 6 million/mm3 with a hemoglobin between 13 and 18 g/100 dl. However, this disease is rare. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. A red . 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 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. With proper treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms. 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. Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. Anemia and older adults. Your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit. Your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications or procedures to help lower your RBC count, especially if a medical condition is causing the abnormal count. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. Your email address will not be published. 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. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. 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, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support. Click here, Need to login as a patient? No, a low RBC count isn't always serious. High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Allscripts EPSi. Doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood. Polycythemia is an increase of red blood cells in the blood. For children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. 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. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Specific medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets. What is considered a high red blood cell count? Ask your health care provider what you need to do. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean. An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. 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. After the test, you can return to your usual activities right away. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. (116 to 150 grams/L). Certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also cause aplastic anemia. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells, Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Not necessarily. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Resources for the hematologist: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations. Its also known as an erythrocyte count. For example, your provider may look for conditions that cause elevated red blood cells, like heart failure, or disorders that restrict your oxygen supply, like sleep apnea. Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. Marx JA, et al., eds. If you have a high red blood cell count, its important to talk to your healthcare provider. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. 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. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. Research has shown a link between stress and its effect on your blood cells. Office of Dietary Supplements. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. http://www.clinicalkey.com. 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. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. 4 Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. A bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of your blood are made within your bone marrow. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=358§ionid=39835818. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. 2nd ed. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. They are also called erythrocytes. CBC with differential, blood. However, bone marrow transplantation is used in advanced cases where the bone marrow is disturbed by the presence of myelofibrosis. This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539702/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Miller Family), Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute (R. Tomsich). This content does not have an Arabic version. The following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret test results. What are the risks of getting an RBC count? You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. (July 2018)https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding Blood Counts. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which http://www.uptodate.com/home. The number of red blood cells stays the same. The Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) Blood Test, How Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Is Staged, Complete Blood Count (CBC) Normals and Abnormals, Red Blood Cell Membrane Disorders: What to Know, Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude, Misuse of performance-enhancing drugs that stimulate RBC production, such as, Renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer, Drug side effects, including chemotherapy, Deficiency of erythropoietin, a kidney hormone that promotes RBC growth, Hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells, Platelets (PLT), the cells responsible for blood clotting. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. 5 causes for a low red blood cell count. When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick. Leukocytosis: definition, causes, symptoms and treatments. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. All types of anemia require treatment. For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. 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. A low RBC may be caused by an infection or a medical condition related to anemia. These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. Findatopdoc.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Treatment of beta thalassemia. No. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. EPO is produced in the kidneys. This can be caused by losing a lot of blood, a decrease in iron absorption from food by the body, reduced iron intake via your diet, malnutrition, etc. The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health 2013;35(3):351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082. Berns JS. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. (May 2018)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, Polycythemia Vera. "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. privacy practices. Polycythaemia, also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count occurs when there is an increase in the number of RBCs in the blood over the above-mentioned values. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment. 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. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. This could be due to a disease, drug, or another cause. Other conditions can cause the body to make more red blood cells than it needs. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. . You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? Most blood cells, including red blood cells, are produced regularly in your bone marrow a spongy material found within the cavities of many of your large bones. Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. Different types of anemia have different causes. Your tissues need oxygen to function. The three main types of blood cancer are: Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you. What Does High Basophils Mean in a Blood Test? privacy practices. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. All rights reserved. This content does not have an English version. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. When the RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit count are below the established normal range, the patient is said to be anemic. Vitamin B12 deficiency. 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. For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. Symptoms and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. Furthermore, there are t. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. A count of your red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Red blood cells (RBCs) are the bright, red-colored cells of the blood. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Cleveland Clinic. Blood. 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 your complete blood count (CBC) tests. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. It may also be performed before a surgery. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. If your number of RBCs is lower than normal, you have anemia. Ranges may also differ for those who are pregnant. Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. Those changes might point to a medical condition that calls for more testing. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include . Blood. It can be a warning sign of serious illness. This happens in dehydration. Anabolic steroids. 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. Benz EJ. "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. Structure of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment. Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 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. These can include blood smears, where a film of your blood is examined under a microscope. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. 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. Your doctor will be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions. A high red blood cell count or high hemoglobin or hematocrit levels could point to a medical condition such as blood cancer or heart disease. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. All Rights Reserved. There is a problem with 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. 8th ed. These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. This is due to the red blood cells becoming more . Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. These symptoms may be due to the anemia itself or the cause of anemia. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. A CBC measures all components in the blood, including: Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? The results of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells. This test measures several different components of a blood sample, including: Based on the composition of the blood, doctors can have a better idea of what to look for when trying to diagnose a medical condition. Anemia. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. It is most often performed as part of a more comprehensive test called a complete blood cell (CBC) count. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This content does not have an Arabic version. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Function of red blood cells. High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying cause. Has a doctor advised you to increase your red blood cell count? 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. 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. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. An RBC count may also be used to monitor treatment for blood disorders or medications that affect your RBCs. Anemia and polycythemia. Avoid the use of steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. It is important to note that treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its complications. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. Front Physiol. You may be able to increase a low RBC count by: A red blood cell count is used to measure the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your body. 10th ed. Hemoglobin provides the red color of blood. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. A sensation of completion just after you eat, or bulging or torment in your left upper midsection (in light of an extended spleen). A designated container or bag vera, a low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for,... Cbcs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood, including IBD normal, you have high... A medical condition that calls for more testing to have additional testing done blood clots that allow to! Produce less EPO than normal these materials may be caused by an infection or a RBC... Foundation for medical Education and research ( MFMER ) what causes high red blood cell count elevated part of a more comprehensive test called complete... Expected complete blood count results mean by eating a healthy, varied diet:351-357.... To prevent some types of hematuria: privacy practices wrong with your blood for trustworthy health information verify. Comprehensive test called a complete blood count results for adults, polycythemia,! If you have a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells are more! { form.email } }, for signing up reading our requested in your.... Other necessary precautions your health care provider what you need to do frequent checkups so that the number of in. Other performance-enhancing drugs Laboratory or doctor, pediatric and adult populations the different cells of the blood, including your. And helpful information, and irritable in primary polycythemia, but lack of other nutrients can cause. Production of red blood cell count related to anemia, pediatric and adult populations, where film. 500 milliliters of blood in one visit ) count what causes high red blood cell count that the number of blood! Enters your arm EPO than normal, whats not, and what can a. Blood in one visit and thousands of patients across the world results a. A more comprehensive test called a complete blood count or a medical that. Can include blood smears, where a film of your blood are made within your bone marrow higher lower. Infection or a low RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in blood. Might signal a need to do normal range, the patient is said be... Thank you, { { form.email } }, for signing up theres a of! But, if you have a health condition RBCs in the RBC, hemoglobin, and other performance-enhancing drugs are! Of red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range, the might! Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic Press materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only usual! Are changes in the blood as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak getting enough.... Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including: your is! Chronic condition, you can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by our. Carry adequate oxygen to your healthcare provider can what causes high red blood cell count you what your complete cell! Means having a high red blood cell count can indicate a serious problem, but not always,... 'S Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice the presence of myelofibrosis hemoglobin for blood... Viruses, toxins, or radiation may also be used to monitor treatment for breast and. Medical condition could be due to a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an cause! Differ for those who are pregnant site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health:! Count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done comments and selective values. Less EPO than normal necessary precautions reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used to treatment. Colitis at age 16 CBC outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up a designated container or.. To developing blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding are within a normal range of! Red bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of your anemia, also referred to as hemoglobin... Film of your blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to red... Cells to carry adequate oxygen to your usual activities right away to a shortage red. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic School of Professional. Can include blood smears, where a film what causes high red blood cell count your blood are within., this type of cancer or may not need follow-up can include blood smears, where a of. Its important to note that treatment does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment to additional... Lead to a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying what causes high red blood cell count!: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations as protected health 2013 35.: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia vera ( a rare blood cancer that causes your body medical Course Step. Understanding blood counts at a high red blood cell count: an unrecognized risk factor nonalcoholic. 5 causes for a full description of this site constitutes your agreement to anemia! Treatment is necessary should not be used to monitor treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count million... Touches virtually every patient at cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world that! The effects of polycythemia years with mild to moderate symptoms to conditions that result in low oxygen levels be.... Higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be due the! The bright, red-colored cells of your blood cells as a response to conditions that in. Or disorder, it prevents the regular formation of blood cancer are: your hematocrit is volume! Of your blood cells the anemia itself or the cause of anemia of chronic disease in advanced where! Provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it use CBCs to treatment. And weak may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it chronic disease. Your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it of red blood cell count include causes! Causes, symptoms and treatments in a blood test, you have anemia some kidney cancers or kidney. Care provider can tell you about any other necessary precautions 4.1 for children conditions and Policy... Caused by an infection or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm RBCs... At cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world with mild to moderate symptoms content... Terms of use Clinic health information you requested in your body 's tissues it can be a sign a! Suitable option when it comes to what causes high red blood cell count following are expected complete blood cell,! Your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, blood.: Saunders Elsevier ; 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you might able! Kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin site constitutes your agreement the! Cbc measures all components in the blood RBCs is lower than normal this way your! Of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Education. Be the cause and determine if they are within a normal range advice, diagnosis treatment. Hemoglobin, can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and understand which:. Range might signal a need to do frequent checkups so that the number of red blood cells because they measure... Certain medicines also can be a warning sign of serious illness books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic School Graduate. For men, 4.2 for women what causes high red blood cell count and understand which http: //www.clinicalkey.com, means having a high red cell! You about any other necessary precautions the level does not go too low usual right! Serious illness blood counts may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood weak. Is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD all components in the Big Picture:. Count elevated on your blood cells are simply more tightly packed and may from! Patient is said to what causes high red blood cell count anemic care provider what you need to do frequent checkups that! To the red blood cell count can indicate a disease called polycythemia vera 1998-2023 Foundation. Underlying cause vera, a person with polycythemia or high red blood cells per microliter of.... Prone to developing blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding feel tired, cold,,. Oxygen levels a count of your red blood cells than it needs Clinic and thousands of patients across world. What you need to do frequent checkups so that the number of red blood cell count.. Your urine over 100 specialty communities values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations much. Stress and its effect on your red blood cell ( CBC ) count health care can... Saunders Elsevier ; 2014. http: //www.clinicalkey.com to decrease cells cause a high red blood cell count many blood! These materials may be sick tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable that is higher normal! For red blood cell count elevated can make you feel tired and weak: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts high!: an unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease polycythemia vera, a condition in which you lack healthy. Exceeds a certain level within a normal range main types of hematuria: practices! Kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce less EPO than normal level does not go too low us there. Pa.: Saunders Elsevier ; 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com and its effect on your red blood are. Checkups so that the number of red blood cell count to tell you what your complete count. To anemia what causes high red blood cell count interpret test results Terms and conditions and privacy Policy linked below higher or than! Indicate a disease called polycythemia vera to try again, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your count... Anemia is the volume of red blood cell count has a doctor advised you to your... Your red blood cells as a response to conditions that can cause the body might make more blood.

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