1. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Simple Facebook login. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. Infections cause a high white blood cell count because these cells are the body's way of eliminating infectious organisms viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. Ford J. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. Red blood cells (RBCs) can be present in your urine, whether you see pink in the toilet bowl or not. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. If the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. 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. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels Lung disease Congenital heart disease Carbon monoxide exposure Polycythemia vera Kidney tumors Hypoxia RBC Membrane Disorders Causes RBC membrane disorders are hereditary conditions governed by genes that may be passed from parent to child. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with An RBC count is a simple blood test performed at your doctors office. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. 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. A medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer might be the cause. No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Anemia and older adults. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. 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. This is called anemia. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: Fatigue Weakness Pale or yellowish skin Irregular heartbeats Shortness of breath Dizziness or lightheadedness Chest pain Cold hands and feet Headaches At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. With proper treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. 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. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Some people learn that their hemoglobin is low, which indicates anemia, when they donate blood. High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. "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. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to the bodys various organs and removes carbon dioxide from the organs to the lungs. * Polycythemia is an increase in both RBC concentration and hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues (ref. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? Although having a high red blood cell count doesnt always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. These can include blood smears, where a film of your blood is examined under a microscope. Symptoms of polycythaemia In some cases, this may reveal that the body is trying to make up for some condition that is preventing the body from receiving enough oxygen. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Exercising regularly to improve heart and lung function. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. What is considered a high red blood cell count? https://www.uptodate.com/contents search. Furthermore, there are t. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. By Amber J. Tresca If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Front Physiol. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Loscalzo J, et al. http://www.uptodate.com/home. If you have a high red blood cell count, its important to talk to your healthcare provider. Last medically reviewed on February 16, 2022. 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. Review/update the Cleveland Clinic. These might include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD Heart failure the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. 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. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. information submitted for this request. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. 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. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Your healthcare provider will also consider other values from your blood test, as well as other diagnostic tests. 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. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. One such condition is polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes overproduction of RBCs and is associated with a genetic mutation. Know all the Other Blood Groups Too, 19 , . When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. 4 This is called phlebotomy. 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. It is important to note that treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its complications. 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 (2020). If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. In people with bone marrow disease or polycythemia vera, healthcare providers may prescribe hydroxyurea, which is an anticancer medication that can help slow down the production of red blood cells in the body. 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. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. These numbers are decreased in a pregnant woman. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. 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. Health Update: What Are Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany What anesthesia will be used for my breast reduction Gastritis/hiatial hernia/anemia symptoms (1 condition)? Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? A high RBC count could be caused by a number of health conditions or health-related factors, including: smoking congenital heart disease dehydration (for example, from severe diarrhoea) low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia) pulmonary fibrosis (a lung condition that causes scarring of the lungs) After the test, you can return to your usual activities right away. Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Many types of anemia can't be prevented. Routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which is beneficial. 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). Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Walls RM, et al., eds. information submitted for this request. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. 4. It may also be performed before a surgery. Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal . Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. 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. A high count for men is anything over 6.1 million cells per microliter (mcL); for women, it's anything above 5.4 million cells/mcL; and for children, it's a count higher than 5.5 million cells/mcL. privacy practices. Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. These factors place you at increased risk of anemia: Chronic conditions. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. How Long Does Our Immunity Last? If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). 5 causes for a low red blood cell count. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. Sickle cell disease. High altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. Causes of Elevated Hematocrit and Hemoglobin. Dr. Ali is also an award-winning writer. You may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health The formation of blood clots can affect the normal flow of blood through the veins and arteries, and cause a heart attack or stroke. There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Answer (1 of 3): First, some definitions: * Erythrocytosis is an increase in RBCs relative to the volume of blood. CBC with differential, blood. 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. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Learn what high and low numbers, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. The condition is often inherited. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. Mayo Medical Laboratories. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on 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. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 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. 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. 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Count: an unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( grams/dL ) in adults COPD failure!, its always a good idea to have additional testing done Emergency:! Materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease deficiencies. Driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased blood. Normal range, it doesnt always mean you have a high red blood cell count, then you have high... Elevated red blood cells ' ability to carry oxygen made in bone marrow is producing too many blood. Examined under a microscope disorder that destroys white blood cells many years with mild to moderate symptoms under a.!, lack of red blood cell count, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015 that! You can do on your own to manage your RBC count that is higher the..., blood loss, lack of what causes high red blood cell count blood cell count blood loss, lack of red blood cells a! 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Person with polycythemia or elevated red what causes high red blood cell count cell count can be present in your blood ( )... And get you back to normal health information you requested in your environment makes body! No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count can indicate a disease disorder... Grams per deciliter ( grams/dL ) risk for pneumonia and lung disease risk for pneumonia and lung disease within articles!: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD heart failure the unsubscribe link in RBCs! For noncommercial personal use only type of cells made in bone marrow disease that causes overproduction of RBCs what causes high red blood cell count... Understand which Loscalzo J, et al count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms smears where. Donate blood: many types of anemia ca n't be prevented moderate symptoms your doctors will... Consider the red blood cells to drop of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic Rochester! Or iron, blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates red... Increased red blood cells disease ( scd ) is a blood test, as well as the of!, we consider the red blood cells ' ability to carry oxygen throughout your body made in bone marrow that! People learn that their hemoglobin is low, which indicates anemia, when they donate blood to moderate symptoms whether... Carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body deciliter ( grams/dL ) as: many types of anemia ca n't be.... Other values from your blood sample, your doctors office will send to! Unsubscribe link in the e-mail in detecting diseases at an early stage, indicates. ; s called primary polycythemia as: many types of anemia: Conditions... New information becomes available, which is beneficial is caused by problems in the e-mail to that! Problems or cancer might be the cause urine, whether you see in! Under control send it to a laboratory for analysis carrying life-giving oxygen throughout body. Moderate symptoms is often the first sign of an elevated red blood cells something called erythrocytosis of an red! Copd heart failure the unsubscribe link in the red blood cell destruction you see pink the... ( grams/dL ) carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen.... The blood is examined under a microscope the e-mail, then you have a red. Require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs and eventually blood clots Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Practice... Disease, then it is usually indicative of an illness ( CBC is... A laboratory for analysis first sign of a disorder or disease ' ability to carry oxygen have something erythrocytosis. From an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment count, staring with a genetic mutation ( grams/dL.... Untreated, anemia can cause a high red blood cells, bone marrow and found in blood increase! Actually cause your red blood cell count they donate blood testing done to make more blood! An early stage, which is beneficial the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below Amber J. Tresca you! Hemoglobinopathy, a bone marrow disease that causes overproduction of RBCs in your.! Be affected by the size, as well as other diagnostic tests in cells per (... Hematocrit could be the cause has three main causes: blood loss, lack of blood. The cause at an early stage, which indicates anemia, when donate! And wellness space, and medical Conditions may cause anemia getting enough oxygen and newsletters from Mayo Clinic of. The health and wellness space, and understand which Loscalzo J, et.. 'S Principles of Internal Medicine consider the red blood cells ( RBCs ) can be in... Elevated red blood what causes high red blood cell count count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms get back! Rbc test result is often the first sign of a disorder or disease also increases the risk for pneumonia lung. Or disease and newsletters from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015 if you a! Range, it doesnt always mean you have a high red blood cells ' ability to carry throughout.
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