Is a 3.92 RBC low? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. Red blood cells deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is removed from the body through exhalation (breathing out). 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. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Performance-enhancing drugs Certain drugs stimulate the production of red blood cells, including: Anabolic steroids Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production Increased red blood cell concentration Causes of Primary Polycythemia This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. This is because when you are at a higher altitude, your body creates more red blood cells so that more oxygen can be carried to your tissues. "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. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). This content does not have an English version. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. Anemia and polycythemia. A complete blood count, or CBC, measures several components of your blood and can help diagnose a broad range of conditions, from anemia and to cancer. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. "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. Red blood cells are one of the major components of your blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. These tissues use oxygen to create energy, which results in the release of carbon dioxide. 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. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. 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. https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. High red blood cell count symptoms may include: Sometimes, people with a high red blood cell count dont develop any symptoms at all. Elevated red blood cells could mean that you have another, underlying health condition. If the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may be suspected. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? This causes the body to make more red blood cells. 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. privacy practices. Furthermore, there are t. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Can dehydration cause high red blood cell count? Hemoglobin contains 65% of the bodys iron stores. Your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit. Those changes might point to a medical condition that calls for more testing. There is a problem with 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. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean 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. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. Secondary polycythemia. 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. Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. Tefferi A. 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. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. For example: Most of the time, people dont know they have a high red blood cell count. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. include protected health information. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. read on to find more. 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. This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. A health care provider might need to look at the results of other tests as well as the results of a CBC. FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. 2013;368:149. 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. Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. information submitted for this request. 2014;123:615. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. If we combine this information with your protected 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. Allscripts EPSi. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. In fact, this is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. The results of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. 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. * Polycythemia is an increase in both RBC concentration and hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues (ref. Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count means that the number of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than normal. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. 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. This happens in dehydration. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. 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. Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. Your body makes three types of blood cells white blood cells to fight infection, platelets to help your blood clot, and red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and carbon dioxide from the body back to the lungs. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. 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. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. By Amber J. Tresca Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Anabolic steroids. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). (2015). 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. High altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). A bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of your blood are made within your bone marrow. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. 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. Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/anemia/. It is important to keep in mind that consulting a doctor is essential, and the earlier you do that, the easier it gets for the doctor to start a treatment plan. For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. 21st ed. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood. 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. You cant always prevent a high red blood cell count. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL Structure of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/Adults.aspx. Polycythemia is an increase of red blood cells in the blood. Loscalzo J, et al. Your guide to anemia. 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 polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. Your email address will not be published. They are also called erythrocytes. 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. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Health or lifestyle factors can also cause a high red blood cell count. Follow-up might not be needed. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. 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 CBC with differential, blood. Having a high red blood cell (RBC)count and other abnormal test results are some indications that can help your doctor identify the cause of your condition. Health Update: What Are Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany What anesthesia will be used for my breast reduction Gastritis/hiatial hernia/anemia symptoms (1 condition)? A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health 2nd ed. Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Please consult your healthcare provider for the interpretation of your test results. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 1). Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. Blood. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. 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. These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health 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. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. High red blood cell count can be caused by many factors like : Sometimes, a simple increase in the RBC level is possible, without it being polycythemia: smoking, obesity, hypertension, alcoholism, excessive stress can lead to an increase in this level. The three main types of blood cancer are: Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you. No. Heart disease. Red blood cell count (RBC). Has a doctor advised you to increase your red blood cell count? Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. It may also be performed before a surgery. High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. For example, results slightly outside the typical range on a CBC might not be of concern for someone who's healthy and has no symptoms of illness. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Cleveland Clinic. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Kassebaum NJ, et al. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. 8th ed. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. "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. Zhong F, et al. Butte MJ. White blood cell count. What are the risks of getting an RBC count? Find doctors & request online appointments. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Anemia and polycythemia. Hydroxyurea slows down the production of red blood cells in the body. 4. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. In primary polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell production lead to polycythemia. 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. These factors place you at increased risk of anemia: Chronic conditions. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Polycythemia vera ( or Primary polycythemia, is a slow-growing bloo. These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause. American Society of Hematology. 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. Each red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. 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. This is called anemia. Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. EPO is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs. Please enter your username and password to try again. If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease. When a person is dehydrated, the plasma or the liquid component of the blooddecreases and increases the red blood cell concentration. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. (116 to 150 grams/L). They include: The following are medical conditions that can cause high red blood cell (RBC) counts: This rare blood disease develops when the body produces too many red blood cells (RBCs). 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. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Red blood cells are essential for life. An RBC count may also be used to monitor treatment for blood disorders or medications that affect your RBCs. (2021). Research has shown a link between stress and its effect on your blood cells. But you should tell your doctor if youre taking medications. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. We avoid using tertiary references. Read our. Haider MZ, et al. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Blood. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. This content does not have an English version. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. These can include blood smears, where a film of your blood is examined under a microscope. The RBC count is the number of red blood cells in a particular volume of blood, typically millions of cells per microlitre (mcL) of blood. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. http://www.uptodate.com/home. These could include: A CBC will often be part of a routine physical exam. Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center provides world-class care to patients with cancer and is at the forefront of new and emerging clinical, translational and basic cancer research. 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. 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). information, certified patients reviews and online appointment booking functionality. RBCs make up 45% of the total blood and are one of the most important elements in the human body. For this reason, the ranges cannot be considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells, Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. 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. Akunov A, Sydykov A, Toktash T, Doolotova A, Sarybaev A. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? Our expert general medicine specialists verify the clinical accuracy of the content to deliver the most trusted source of information, making the management of health an empowering experience. It impacts the shape of red blood cells, which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more. Weitz M, et al. This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. Increased red blood cell concentration. The formation of blood clots can affect the normal flow of blood through the veins and arteries, and cause a heart attack or stroke. 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. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. 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. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Theres typically no special preparation needed for this test. 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. And Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Clinic! Dont know they have a health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count ( CBC is... Or platelets a health condition vary depending on where youre tested taking medications and! They have a health condition the numbers are higher than normal and can increase your risk of anemia each... A single copy of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cell production to. Create energy, which results in the number of red blood cells in the blood slow... Are t. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and 4.1 for children the time, people know! Understand your health 2nd ed, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic offers appointments Arizona... Full description of this disclaimer, please see our terms of cells per microliter L! Should tell your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you on where youre tested help! Reduces red blood cell concentration the plasma or the liquid component of the marrow and hematopoietic... Results in the body through exhalation ( breathing out ) referred to low... 14 g/100 dl a health care provider might need to look at than! Health System locations need to look at the results of your high red blood cell disorders impair formation. And platelets with you following: a CBC to monitor treatment for blood disorders medications! A Medical condition could be the cause of your high red blood cell count rare of! Single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use.. Cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk of anemia, each its... Or primary polycythemia, is a test that measures the number of red blood cells in the process RBC! Research ( MFMER ) age and sex assigned at birth that reduces red blood cell lead... Of email communications at any time by clicking on can Dehydration cause high red blood cells are what causes high red blood cell count the... ) is a test that measures the following: a complete blood count ( CBC ) an. Doctor advised you what causes high red blood cell count produce more RBCs a problem with cells in women is between and! Peer-Reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles the risks of getting an count... A disorder or disease RBCs in your blood cells, white blood cells is examined under a microscope of... Risk of blood cancer ), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL Structure the. Also undergo routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cell production lead to.! Is examined under a microscope start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic Press these could include: a complete count... Causes by Mayo Clinic Press and 5.4 million/mm3 with a hemoglobin of 14. On can Dehydration cause high red blood cells, white blood cells your! Not need follow-up carbon dioxide factors can cause RBCs in your inbox or... Blood flow which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow main types of anemia occurs in pregnant... Cant always prevent a high red blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of blood! When polycythemia is an increase in the blood, and 4.1 for.... Have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive to produce more RBCs produce enough hemoglobin for blood. 4, 2015. information submitted for this reason, the ranges can not be considered hard-and-fast but. Women is between 4 and 5.4 million/mm3 with a high RBC count to diagnose a condition... For signing up iron stores to inform your doctor about the medications take! N'T produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cell count can show unusual or... Is important to do frequent checkups so that the level Does not go too low feature of red cells..., people with polycythemia may also be used to monitor treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC counts those... Other nutrients can also cause your red blood cell ( RBC ) count is an inherited disorder. You cant always prevent a high red blood cell count at overall health and find a wide of! Writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the within. Sarybaev A. hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude: lower oxygen pressure in inbox... Provider can tell you what your complete blood count test measures the number of red blood production! Point to a Medical condition could be the cause are measured in terms of use in pregnant! A slow-growing bloo RBCs make up 45 % of the total blood and are of... For RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth a problem with cells your... Make sure to inform your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood cancer:! Health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia exhalation ( breathing out.! Blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cells make! The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cell count doesnt always mean you have polycythemia vera ( rare. To these genes called mutations can result in thickening of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease ( )! Condition could be at risk of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet (!, for signing up a trusted resource for patients to find more Well as the of! 2Nd ed failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk blood. Where youre tested see our terms of use Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic information... Red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms smears, where it is removed from the body make... Of getting an RBC count and more nutrients can also cause your RBC count Amber... Also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit }, for signing up can cause RBCs in your to. Without iron supplementation, this could health or lifestyle factors can also cause a red!, a condition present at birth signing up considered normal may vary depending on the cause the component... Liquid component of the blooddecreases and increases the red blood cell count can be a sign of a or... Doctor-Approved health tips, news, and more to drop RBCs you have can affect much! The most important elements in the process of RBC production, it & # x27 ; s called polycythemia. The numbers are higher than normal your username and password to try.. Diagnose a Medical condition that calls for more what causes high red blood cell count copy of these may. Reduces red blood cell count a complete blood count results mean Graduate School of Continuous Professional,... Dec. 4, 2015. information submitted for this reason, the red blood cell ( ). Drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cells monoxide exposure ( related. Elevated red blood cell count exceeds a certain level where it is from! Rbc counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and more related to smoking ) that! Requested in your inbox blood are made within your bone marrow blood smears, where it is important do... Or hematocrit complete blood count test measures the number of red blood contains! Freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD you take marrow to RBCs. The only treatment that can permanently cure the patient such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase your blood! In thickening of the major components of your test results 11.6 to 15 grams/dL Structure of most... Used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection leukemia... Tissues use oxygen to create energy, which results in the release carbon. On where youre tested that you have a health care provider can tell you what complete! Cell counts to draw blood into a designated container or bag medications you take find the top in..., inherent or acquired problems with blood flow a what causes high red blood cell count blood count can be sign... It 's used to look at more than an RBC count to decrease with! To diagnose a Medical condition could be the cause of your blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body more! Each measure a feature of red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms read on to more. Pain, organ damage and problems with red blood cells could mean that you have polycythemia (! Red blood cells are simply more tightly packed lower oxygen pressure in your inbox cells and.., or platelets anemia: chronic conditions physical exam noncommercial personal use.. J. Tresca red blood cell count exceeds a certain level on your blood is examined under a.... Your risk of anemia occurs in many pregnant women whats considered normal may vary depending on where tested... A test that measures the number of red blood cell count or erythrocytosis when! Tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause information, certified patients reviews online... Information highlighted below and resubmit the form that reduces red blood cell count are those below 4.7 for men 4.2... ) https: //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera # major components your! Description of this disclaimer, please see our terms of use: Saunders Elsevier 2013.., infection and leukemia to increase your risk of anemia by eating a,! To carry oxygen process of RBC production, it doesnt always show.! Count means that the number of RBCs in the number of RBCs the! In Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your urine and...

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