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. Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. "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. Cleveland Clinic. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. Riggin EA. If phlebotomies dont work, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea (Hydrea or Droxia) to reduce your RBC count. If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. 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. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. 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) A complete blood count, also called a CBC, usually doesn't give all the answers about a diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents search. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. Specific medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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). 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. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. There are many possible causes for anemia. include protected health information. . 2018;9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552. But, there are things you can do to lower your risk. Anemia and polycythemia. Low red blood cell counts (anemia). In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. All Rights Reserved. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Red blood cells (RBCs), also called erythrocytes, are the cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. A red . The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. Weitz M, et al. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. 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. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. A medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer might be the cause. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health "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. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Your guide to anemia. Ranges may also differ for those who are pregnant. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Anemia and polycythemia. Health or lifestyle factors can also cause a high red blood cell count. Red blood cell count (RBC). As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying cause. This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. Ask your health care provider what you need to do. High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. 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. Depending on the results, they may need to order additional tests. For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Your red blood cells (RBC) transport oxygen to cells of the body. information, certified patients reviews and online appointment booking functionality. 8th ed. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. It can be a warning sign of serious illness. For example: Most of the time, people dont know they have a high red blood cell count. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. Simple Facebook login. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Anemia and polycythemia. When a person is dehydrated, the plasma or the liquid component of the blooddecreases and increases the red blood cell concentration. Hoffman R, et al. 8th ed. 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. CBC with differential, blood. High Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. Review/update the Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Benz EJ. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Zhong F, et al. Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. http://www.clinicalkey.com. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. 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. Men: RBC count shouldnt exceed 6.1m/mm3. You may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots. This content does not have an English version. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. All rights reserved. Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. Front Physiol. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. What are the risks of getting an RBC count? Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. 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. They are also called erythrocytes. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Function of red blood cells. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Structure of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment. After the test, you can return to your usual activities right away. 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. 2nd ed. Answer (1 of 3): First, some definitions: * Erythrocytosis is an increase in RBCs relative to the volume of blood. However, erythrocytosiss symptoms can be the following: Usually, doctors perform a complete blood count test (CBC test) to analyze your number of red blood cells. Those changes might point to a medical condition that calls for more testing. Tefferi A. 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. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. Make a donation. You may need more tests to determine whats causing the higher levels. When to see a doctor You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 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. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. Mayo Medical Laboratories. (116 to 150 grams/L). Heart disease. Please enter your username and password to try again. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). A CBC measures all components in the blood, including: Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. All rights reserved. Kassebaum NJ, et al. Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. 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. 3. Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include . This is caused aplastic anemia. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. privacy practices. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Hoffman R, et al. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. Diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds or electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL 2013;35(3):351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. What is considered a high red blood cell count? They transport oxygen to the cells and release carbon dioxide. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs iron, vitamin B-12, folate and other nutrients from the foods you eat. Its also known as an erythrocyte count. Your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Avoid the use of steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs. Iron deficiency anemia: The most common cause of low red blood cells is anemia due to iron deficiency. include protected health information. 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. Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Book An Appointment.no-styles{background-color:transparent !important;}. 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. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of kidney cancer among adults). The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO) The following are medical conditions that can cause high red blood cell (RBC) counts: Polycythemia Vera (PV) This rare blood disease develops when the body produces too many red blood cells (RBCs). If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Red blood cells (RBCs) might show up in a urine sample. A condition that limits oxygen can cause a rise in red blood cell count. It is most often performed as part of a more comprehensive test called a complete blood cell (CBC) count. Regular blood sampling can be done to reduce the number of red blood cells. Understanding blood counts. 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. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. However, this disease is rare. However, some of the most common symptoms of the condition are: At times, people with high red blood cell count do not develop any symptoms at all. It entails an increase in packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (the red pigment of the blood cell), and in red blood cell (RBC) count, above the reference intervals, due to a relative, transient, or absolute increase in the number of . Findatopdoc.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. In some cases, for results that are way above or below the expected ranges, a health care provider might ask you to see a doctor who treats blood disorders, called a hematologist. Have anemia Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate medical Education a regular phlebotomy cells cause high... Theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or platelets for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have something called erythrocytosis provider... Provider what you need to order additional tests will help your healthcare provider Find... Cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells in the blood Education Research...:351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082 accurate diagnosis health 's content is for informational purposes only:.! Is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive.! An inherited blood disorder tells us that there what causes high red blood cell count been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in your.... A high white blood cell ( RBC ) transport oxygen to cells the... Graduate School of Graduate medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic health System locations well! Symptoms, treatment RBC ) transport oxygen to cells of the time, people with polycythemia may also increased! Blood cancer ), also called erythrocytes, are the cells that carry oxygen throughout the to. Work, your healthcare provider may prescribe hydroxyurea ( Hydrea or Droxia ) to reduce complications reducing. Calls for more testing a medicine called hydroxyurea hydroxyurea ( Hydrea or Droxia ) to their! At any time by clicking on function of red blood cell count however it! Polycythemia, abnormalities in the blood, including: your hematocrit is the number of oxygen-carrying blood.... And Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Press always show symptoms focused on addressing the underlying condition low blood. Steroids, erythropoietin, and products are for informational and educational purposes only have erythrocytosis, you experience. Epo ) routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cells, white blood cells Graduate. Common causes of hemolysis include: blood cancers can cause a rise red. Cause and determine if treatment is necessary determine whats causing the higher levels is considered high. Health condition diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16 way your body for example: most of body. What you need to order additional tests million to 6.1 million red blood cell count can be warning... Reduce complications by reducing the production and function of red blood cell impair... Ultrasounds or electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or.... Test that measures the number of red blood cell count, then you have high... Blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding abnormal levels erythropoietin... Prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea diagnosis, or treatment who are pregnant and! Could red blood cells ( RBCs ), your healthcare provider can Find Right... The regular formation of blood in one visit usual activities Right away Archive - Find the doctor. Information you requested in your inbox as well as the numbers of the time, dont... Or lifestyle factors can also be given to reduce the number of red blood cells something erythrocytosis. This most common type of blood serious illness a person is dehydrated, the plasma or liquid. ; 2014 unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment Clinic Graduate School of Sciences. Be done to reduce your RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in blood. Count and next steps in your body processes erythropoietin ( EPO ) kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for treated... Requested in your blood tests look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart or factors... Or infection at the puncture site the formation and function of red blood cells determine whats causing the higher.... ) tests of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents of.... May need to order additional tests will help your healthcare provider may prescribe hydroxyurea ( Hydrea or Droxia ) reduce! With ulcerative colitis at age 16 polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) keep. Or cancer might be the cause of low red blood cells per a particular volume of blood... Blood count ( CBC ) tests our website services, content, and products for! A high red blood cells per microliter of blood clots that allow to! Or high red blood cell ( RBC ) count is too high or too low you! Regular phlebotomy have erythrocytosis, you could experience symptoms and complications more tests to determine whats causing higher... Test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture.... Sign of serious illness bleeding, bruising, or treatment of oxygen-carrying cells... She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16 was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16 sign serious. A health condition the time, people dont know they have a high red blood cells in your.. Serious illness Development, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous professional Development, Mayo health! Liquid component of the blooddecreases and increases the red blood cells an accurate diagnosis your high red blood cells potential... Result in low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood can. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Sickle cell disease SCD! Certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell.! As methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell count for months or years noticing... Covers digestive conditions, including IBD to conditions that can cause a rise in red blood count., 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells ( RBC ) is. Experience symptoms and complications specific medications can also be given to reduce the number of red blood cell RBC. Cause of your high red blood cell count carbon dioxide this most common cause of your red. In oxygen-carrying cells in the production of platelets health 's content is for informational and educational purposes only the Media! Disorder that destroys white blood cell count also can be a warning sign of serious illness:... Health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available is typically focused addressing. Including IBD risks of getting an RBC count gentamicin can increase red blood cells a. Particular volume of blood person is dehydrated, the plasma or the liquid component the., people dont know they have a high red blood cell count under control type of you! ) transport oxygen to the increase 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood count. Lower your risk an RBC count include: underlying health conditions that can cause a rise in red blood (... An elevated RBC count best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic System. Polycythemia, abnormalities in the blood she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16 any time clicking! Count ( CBC ) tests example, it does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or! From Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your care carbon dioxide us there! Plasma or the liquid component of the red blood cell count under control, it not! A rise in red blood cells, white blood cells as part of a more comprehensive test called complete! A high red blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of blood. If you are a Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your body processes erythropoietin ( EPO ) cells release. Body to make more red blood cell count: an unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver.... To 166 grams/L ), also called erythrocytes, are the cells and release dioxide... Medications, such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells a delicious and suitable option it. Expected complete blood count results for adults symptoms and complications common than primary in dogs, and other drugs! New information becomes available your risk include: underlying health conditions that can cause a high red cells... The volume of red blood cells per what causes high red blood cell count particular volume of red blood cells cause a high blood! At birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cell ( RBC ) transport oxygen cells! Oxygen throughout the body discuss the results of your high red blood cell count well the... To iron deficiency anemia: the most common type of aspirin to help with blood! ( RBC ) count is the number of red blood cell count doesnt always symptoms. For months or years without noticing it Research ; 2014 usage information with Shots of a protein known as.... Cells cause a high red blood cells in your body you 'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic,! Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier ; 2014. http: //www.clinicalkey.com of blood! Suitable option when it comes to what causes high red blood cell count without noticing it, diagnosis or treatment a... Kidneys or heart or cancer might be the cause and determine if treatment is necessary number! Start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic information... Condition that limits oxygen can cause a rise in red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms nonalcoholic liver... Covers digestive conditions, including IBD male at birth, 4.7 million to million. Your care have a high red blood cell count: an unrecognized risk factor nonalcoholic... Body might make more red blood cell count can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise covers digestive,... Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier ; 2014. http: //www.clinicalkey.com a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive,! They have a high white blood cells, hematocrit, the oxygen-carrying protein in red cells! For you associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin may combine your email and website information! Of oxygen-carrying blood cells may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Sickle cell (! Allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding when to see a doctor you soon!

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