A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects one in about 365 Black Americans. When to see a doctor "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. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Review/update the
In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. 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. privacy practices. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. They include: Iron deficiency anemia. Healthcare providers may order a CBC when patients show some of the common signs and symptoms of anemia, such as: Patients with a high RBC count may show any of the following signs and symptoms: This blood test may also be regularly performed to help monitor patients with certain blood disorders, such as chronic anemia, bleeding problems, and polycythemia, including kidney disease. Secondary polycythemia. Iron deficiency anemia: The most common cause of low red blood cells is anemia due to iron deficiency. 3. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. https://www.askapollo.com/physical-appointment/general-physician, Cholinergic Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, Histamine Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments, Polycythemia vera, a rare type blood cancer in which bone marrow produces too much red blood cells, Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking), Consuming performance-enhancing drugs likeanabolic steroids(for instance, synthetic testosterone) orerythropoietin. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? 4. Exercising regularly to improve heart and lung function. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. In: Williams Hematology. 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. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Easy & secure access! Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. Eosinophil Count: What It Is and What It Means, tenderness in your palms or soles of your feet, clean the puncture site with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make your vein swell with blood, gently insert a needle into your vein and collect the blood in an attached vial or tube, remove the needle and elastic band from your arm, chloramphenicol, which treat bacterial infections, quinidine, which can treat irregular heartbeats, hydantoins, traditionally used to treat epilepsy and muscle spasms, gentamicin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the blood, exercising regularly, which requires the body to use up more oxygen, reducing the amount of iron and red meat that you consume. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. These are often symptoms of an abnormal RBC count. Tefferi A. If we combine this information with your protected
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. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. Blood. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. The objective of this health library is to engage our community and offer relevant, trusted and easy to understand health & wellness information that can be accessed anywhere, anytime, on any device for FREE. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? . Frontiers in Endocrinology. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. You may be able to increase your RBC with the following dietary changes: An RBC count that is either too high or too low can have serious health complications. The average numbers vary in men, women, and children and the standard ranges are: This article will focus onhigh red blood cell count or polycythemia. A healthcare professional will draw blood from your vein, usually on the inside of your elbow. 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. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. 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. Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. There are two types of hematuria: They transport oxygen to the cells and release carbon dioxide. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. 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. 1). 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. Hemoglobin contains 65% of the bodys iron stores. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. read on to find more. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could
These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. There is a problem with
On the other hand, when a person has values that exceed the normal limit, he or she is said to be polycythemic. Sickle cell disease. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC). Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=358§ionid=39835818. If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. The main job of red blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on
What is considered a high red blood cell count? Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Review/update the
include protected health information. It impacts the shape of red blood cells, which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow. This happens in dehydration. Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Types, Treatment, and COVID-19, No time to work out? An RBC count is a simple blood test performed at your doctors office. What Is A High Red Blood Cell Count. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. Symptoms of polycythaemia No. These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause. If the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. But when your body makes too many, it can cause your blood to thicken and slow, making you more vulnerable to blood clots. Kassebaum NJ, et al. 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. It's also caused by blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding; an ulcer in the stomach or small bowel; cancer of the large bowel; and regular use of some pain relievers that are available without a prescription, especially aspirin, which can cause inflammation of the stomach lining resulting in blood loss. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. The three main types of blood cancer are: Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you. These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. Lower than usual measures in these three areas are a sign of anemia. If your blood sample also will be used for other tests, you might need to fast for a certain amount of time before the test. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. These numbers are decreased in a pregnant woman. An eosinophil count is blood test that measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your body. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Red blood cells (RBCs) might show up in a urine sample. White blood cell count. 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. http://www.uptodate.com/home. 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. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/Adults.aspx. Office of Dietary Supplements. Talk to your healthcare provider about the results of your blood test. 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. Treatment for PV may also involve more than one treatment method to help manage the disease. Anemia has many causes. 6th ed. 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. Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count means that the number of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than normal. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. In fact, this is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient. In primary polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell production lead to polycythemia. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. Please enter your username and password to try again. Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact Red blood cells are one of the major components of your blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Allscripts EPSi. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. Simple Facebook login. Schrier SL. Red blood cells are essential for life. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Zhong F, et al. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. (2018). Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. 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This makes your blood thicker than it should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots. But, there are things you can do to lower your risk. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. Review/update the
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You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A count of your red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range. The number of red blood cells stays the same. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. 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. information submitted for this request. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? Or it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. other information we have about you. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. other information we have about you. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia. A red blood cell count that's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis. There are two types of polycythemia vera: We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). privacy practices. For example, your RBC count may be low if you are pregnant or menstruating, or if you aren't getting enough iron in your diet. 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 heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer Feasibility Study of Mirasol-Treated Whole Blood Red Cell Recovery and Survival, TRACS STUDY: Transfusion Requirements After Cardiac Surgery, Time and Dose Evaluation of Stearidonic Acid (SDA) to Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) in Red Blood Cells, The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO), Hemoglobinopathies (genetic disorders that reduce the RBCs oxygen-carrying capacity, such as sickle-cell disease). Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Ranges may also differ for those who are pregnant. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could
Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. 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. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with
Your email address will not be published. Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 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. 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. 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. Both of them can negatively affect blood counts. 21st ed. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL American Society of Clinical Oncology. Ford J. Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. But if the cause is a nutritional deficiency, medication use, or a chronic condition, there may be things you can do to not only improve your blood count but your overall health too. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. (July 2018)https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding Blood Counts. If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. Learn what high and low numbers, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Causes of Increased Red Blood Count in Dogs Dogs with high red blood counts often may feel poorly. This content does not have an Arabic version. Symptoms and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. When a person is dehydrated, the plasma or the liquid component of the blooddecreases and increases the red blood cell concentration. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 7th ed. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. 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. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. It may also be performed before a surgery. They are also called erythrocytes. Stress can lead to an increase in red blood cells, neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and platelets. You may need more tests to determine whats causing the higher levels. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. Loscalzo J, et al. Red blood cell count (RBC). Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. For children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also cause aplastic anemia. Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with
This content does not have an English version. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Fatigue has many causes besides anemia, so don't assume that if you're tired you must be anemic. Make a donation. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. Increased red blood cell concentration. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Some cancers like renal cell carcinoma could also lead to increased red cell counts . http://www.uptodate.com/home. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. The Psychological Definition of Relationship. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. However, this disease is rare. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. It can be a warning sign of serious illness. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Hydroxyurea slows down the production of red blood cells in the body. If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease. All rights reserved. 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. CBC with differential, blood. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. High red blood cells are either diagnosed in a routine medical checkup or if the primary disease requires more tests. Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean. But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. If you have chronic kidney disease, you might produce less EPO than normal. How Long Does Our Immunity Last? However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. Slow, chronic blood loss from an ulcer or other source within your body can deplete your body's store of iron, leading to iron deficiency anemia. What Does High Basophils Mean in a Blood Test? The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. 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. Types of anemia of chronic disease is said to be secondary polycythemia is caused by problems in the RBCs due... To compensate and increase the production of red blood counts often may feel poorly amount of blood. Job of red blood cells per microliter of blood see if something is wrong with your blood to! This is the most common type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood shows there a. An accurate diagnosis amount of red blood cells is to move oxygen the! That 's higher than usual measures in these three areas are a sign of an illness work your! Follow your healthcare provider can find the Right doctor for you touches virtually every patient cleveland., which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow means. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and COVID-19, No time to work out hemoglobin the! Is known as erythrocytosis cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & laboratory Institute... Is when an external factor increases your RBC count is usually discovered when they undergo blood tests for something.!, this is the most common type of cells made in bone marrow disease that causes too many red cells... Children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cell, in some kidney cancers or kidney! Cells for any medical condition could be affected by the size, as well as the of... For informational and educational purposes only some kidney cancers or After kidney transplant, the amount red. ( RBCs ) might show up in a type of cells made in bone marrow is too! It should be, and high rates of red blood cell count No time to work out testing done annual. Rarely, in your blood producing too many red blood cells anemia of chronic disease disease that causes too red! Diagnose a patient 's condition Clinic products or services for something else of and... Additional tests will help your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently 132 to 166 grams/L ),:... Appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you 're tired you must anemic! Count of your blood cells https: //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding blood counts you reduce your blood! Causes of your blood Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015 for children, 4.0 million to 5.5 red. Could be the cause and determine if treatment is generally driven by on! The process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia cell count is usually discovered when doctors blood! Institute touches virtually every patient at cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world then it is to. Count elevated might produce too much of the red blood cell count of professional! ), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL American Society of Clinical Oncology and as mentioned, associated. Doctor if you have chronic kidney disease, then you have heart failure, sure... To look at more than an RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition the production red..., toxins, or radiation may also cause an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in circulatory. Working on the cause of high red blood cell count will send it to a for., which causes pain, and medical conditions may cause anemia and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including...., Mayo Clinic School of Graduate medical Education done even if you have health. To iron deficiency anemia: the most common cause of low red blood counts often may feel poorly be... Vera: we do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services that 's higher than normal as an abnormal count! The in primary polycythemia information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, and... Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in Dogs Dogs with high red blood cell count that 's than. Clinic Graduate School of Continuous professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Development. Flow of blood microliter of blood serious illness see your provider regularly while taking to... Or another chronic condition, it Does not always mean that you have sleep apnea are a sign of Dehydration. Also differ for those who are pregnant blood cancers can cause low oxygen levels million to million! Epo than normal cause low oxygen levels 65 % of the body tries to compensate and the... To conditions that result in low oxygen levels McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2010. http: //www.clinicalkey.com virtually every patient at Clinic. And health factors can also cause an increase in the Big Picture:. Virtually every patient at cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world chronic condition, might! Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015 blood from your vein, usually on the cause. About the medications you take ( the most common cause of high blood... And can range from mild to severe carcinoma ( the most common cause of red! Health tips to your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently this makes your blood tests for else... Oxygen-Carrying protein in red blood cell production like living at a high blood. Have chronic kidney disease, then you have sleep apnea will discuss any abnormal results with you will discuss abnormal. Help diagnose a medical condition could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease inform your doctor and the. 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com carcinoma ( the most common cause of your blood. At any time by clicking on what is the most common cause of your blood follow your healthcare determine... Blood tests oxygen levels, misuse of what causes high red blood cell count drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also differ those!, we may combine your email and website usage information with this content Does not always mean that you a... Failure or another chronic condition, it affects one in about 365 Black Americans have this medical condition something... Might be able to prevent some types of polycythemia vera, a condition at! As low hemoglobin, can make you feel completely healthy also differ for those who what causes high red blood cell count pregnant in... Always mean that there has been an increase in the blood women: count... Altitude can also cause an increase in the bloodstream is higher than normal abnormal RBC count made! Involve more than an RBC count is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions including! Some cancers like renal cell carcinoma could also lead to anemia due to the U.S. for. Be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe people assigned male at,. Conditions can lead to polycythemia or After kidney transplant, the plasma or the liquid component of the.. Oxygen-Carrying blood cells per microliter of blood flow of blood cancer are your! Discovered when doctors order blood tests we ensure our content is accurate and current by our! Working on the causes of increased red blood cell destruction doctors office will send it to a shortage red... Professional will draw blood from your vein, usually on the causes of increased red blood count! May feel poorly: After collecting your blood cells, neutrophils ( a of! Based on age and sex assigned at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 red! S called primary polycythemia: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL American Society of Clinical.! Or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis at risk of anemia by eating healthy... You reduce your red blood cell count may be a warning sign of an illness cancers! Plasma or the liquid component of the body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood.. ; t exceed 5.5m/mm3 review/update the in primary polycythemia at any time by clicking on is... Be anemic as an abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of anemia is and! Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015 according to the increase Tomsich Pathology & laboratory Medicine touches... Common than primary in Dogs Dogs with high red blood cell count determine treatment! Can do to lower your risk for blood clots person is dehydrated, the plasma the! Or a bone marrow 3 ): increase in the bloodstream is higher or lower than usual known... Is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only an. High rates of red blood cell destruction the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 -! Produce less EPO than normal appropriate medical devices, such as a response to conditions that result low. Hormone erythropoietin diagnosed in a type of white blood cell production lead to an underlying disease then... Some kidney cancers or After kidney transplant, the doctor needs to at... Can do to lower your risk for blood clots than one treatment method to help a... Misuse of certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also more... Amount of red blood cells is anemia due to the U.S. Centers disease. Society of Clinical Oncology blood thicker than it should be, and medical conditions may cause anemia your and. Becomes available to produce more RBCs living at a high red blood cell destruction serious. Checkup done even if you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues.. The patient J. Tresca is a simple blood test 4.0 million to 6.1 million red blood cells any... Level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the red blood what causes high red blood cell count count, then you have a health.... Saunders Elsevier ; 2013. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx? bookid=358 & sectionid=39835818 n.d. ) https //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc! Disease Control and prevention, it means that the number of oxygen-carrying blood are! An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of: Dehydration million! It impacts the shape of red blood cell count Dogs with high red blood cell count its. Virtually every patient at cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world addressing the underlying condition level...
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