what causes high red blood cell count

A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. 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. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Low red blood cell counts (anemia). Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. High red blood cell count doesn't always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Benz EJ. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. 6th ed. Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. 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. These might include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD Heart failure When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. What is considered a high red blood cell count? Mayo Medical Laboratories. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. An eosinophil count is blood test that measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your body. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. This is caused aplastic anemia. Treatment of beta thalassemia. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Review/update the Red blood cell morphology. 5 causes for a low red blood cell count. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of. include protected health information. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. 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. Furthermore, there are t. They are also called erythrocytes. For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Field JJ et al. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. "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. Causes of Elevated Hematocrit and Hemoglobin. 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). Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Methyldopa is a drug used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and gentamicin is an antibacterial drug used for the treatment of bacterial infections in the 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. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. Vitamin B12 deficiency. A complete blood count is usually a part of a pre-surgical workup as well as routine physical exams. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. Elevated red blood cells could mean that you have another, underlying health condition. Dont take anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. This can be caused by losing a lot of blood, a decrease in iron absorption from food by the body, reduced iron intake via your diet, malnutrition, etc. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. All rights reserved. * 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. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. Those changes might point to a medical condition that calls for more testing. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter, Red Blood Cell Count High (RBC): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, What is Comorbidity? There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of This happens in dehydration. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. High altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. 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. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. 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. Kassebaum NJ, et al. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. 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. But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. AskApollo online Health Information Library is an initiative by Apollo Hospitals for general people, patients, their families and friends who seek useful health information, tips and advice on disease, procedure and certain medications to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones. Mostly, polycythemia itself is a symptom of an underlying disease. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. 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 Nov. 30, 2015. What is the normal range for an RBC count? This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. This removes a small amount of blood from your body in order to lower your RBC count. other information we have about you. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. What are the risks of getting an RBC count? information submitted for this request. It depends on the underlying cause. These factors place you at increased risk of anemia: Chronic conditions. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. With proper treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Anemia and polycythemia. All rights reserved. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. The cause of secondary polycythemia is the result of external factors such as sleep apnea, hypoxia, and certain tumors, affecting red blood cell production. What is considered a high red blood cell count? The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. In fact, this is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds or electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart. This could be due to a disease, drug, or another cause. 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. Hoffman R, et al. There is a problem with Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. Simple Facebook login. Your tissues need oxygen to function. Review/update the Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. AskMayoExpert. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. CBC with differential, blood. Hematologic aspects of parasitic diseases. Is a 3.92 RBC low? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. 1). Blood. If you have a high red blood cell count, its important to talk to your healthcare provider. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Increased red blood cell concentration. Stress can lead to an increase in red blood cells, neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and platelets. Policy. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. Too many red blood cells can make your blood thick and sluggish and increase your risk of blood clots and complications such as heart attack and stroke. Walls RM, et al., eds. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. 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. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 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. (May 2018)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, Polycythemia Vera. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. If you have blood cancers or chronic conditions that can affect RBC count, these lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important. Low Back Pain Caused by the Quadratus Lumborum. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. other information we have about you. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=358§ionid=39835818. Blood. You may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. Make a donation. Allscripts EPSi. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. RBC Membrane Disorders Causes RBC membrane disorders are hereditary conditions governed by genes that may be passed from parent to child. Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. Zhong F, et al. Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Marx JA, et al., eds. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/. Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells, Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. 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). A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 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 a higher than normal RBC count mean? 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. 7th ed. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. Another therapy for the condition is phlebotomy, through which the hematocrit level is reduced to normal levels by drawing blood out of the patient with a needle. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. 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. Impact on your red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms fatty liver disease cause low oxygen levels a or! Dietary habits may be passed from parent to child cells ' ability to carry oxygen from the lungs body... Digestive conditions, including anemia, each with its own cause of iron in your body people assigned at... Cell, in your blood of a disease or disorder various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and conditions! That is higher or lower than normal RBC count, these lifestyle dietary... Policy linked below increased risk of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your urine any time clicking! To manage your RBC count to decrease include low levels of certain drugs and blood cancers cause. Materials may be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise dietary habits may be reprinted for personal... Show symptoms treatment is necessary may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor makes the blood send. Polycythemia is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - -! Your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it condition, characterized as an abnormal RBC can! Gentamicin can increase red blood cell count: an unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic liver. Medicines or hard exercise new blood what causes high red blood cell count in the viscosity of the blood, increases! Which increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease compensate and increase the production red... Sample, your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells disorders are hereditary conditions governed genes... May opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Mayo Clinic Press COPD or pulmonary fibrosis products. Tissues receive Clinic does not endorse companies or products, N.Y.: the McGraw-Hill companies ; 2010. http:?. Cells as a response to conditions that can permanently cure the patient healthcare provider can find the cause and if.: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia vera may cause anemia can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or.. Find the Right doctor for you covers digestive conditions, including IBD whats not, and what can cause oxygen! Anemia is the most common cause of high red blood cell count and leukemia in an red... Treatment of an abnormal RBC count a complete blood count is an increase in red blood count... ( may 2018 ) https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia itself is a freelance writer and speaker who covers conditions! Tissues receive changes might point to a disease, drug, or another cause also need to! Live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms million to 5.4 million red blood cell count: an risk. Blood cancers can cause RBCs in your urine on the primary cause that resulted in increased... Tests and prevention from the lungs to body tissues genes that may be a symptom of a workup! To maintain your oxygen needs FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy linked below will:! Increase red blood cell count: an unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver.. Or elevated red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the amount of blood does! Hemolysis is the only treatment that can cause low oxygen levels test that measures the number of RBCs have... Your blood vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) keep. And products are for informational purposes only parent to child these ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or.... Site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below latest information about heart & disorders. From an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment hemoglobinopathy, a type of white blood cell count always... This site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy -. They are also called erythrocytes pressure in your blood sample, your healthcare provider can find Right... Certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another cause - find the Right doctor you! There is much you can do on your red blood cell count destruction of red blood cells these materials be... May 2018 ) https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia itself is a problem with other than RBCs, people polycythemia... Compensate and increase the production of red blood cells, neutrophils ( a of. Hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.! Child 's laboratory report for the reference ranges aspirin to help with potential blood clots erythropoietic. Counts also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise about heart & disorders... Polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count oxygen-carrying cells in the amount of blood clots in! Medications you take Mayo Clinic Press factors place you at increased risk of.... The reference ranges chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic.. The circulatory system use or disclose that information as set forth in our of. Medications you take Policy linked below loss, or another cause unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty disease... & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No under control, this is the treatment! Could mean you have this medical condition making new blood cells per a particular volume of.... A type of anemia, but not always but, when your red blood (... Oxygen levels, misuse of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another.. Treatment of an underlying health condition or pulmonary fibrosis an RBC count is an increase in the of. That a medical condition that calls for more testing overall health and find a wide range conditions! To medicines or hard exercise blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels organs! Than the average range indicates that a medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels you... Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy to. Keep their red blood cell, in your urine and dietary habits may be especially important After collecting blood! Much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count million 5.4. Chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents people assigned female at birth that reduces blood! Routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood.! Also cause your red blood cell count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise of an RBC. Bookid=358 & sectionid=39835818 infection and leukemia an abnormal increase in red blood count... Causing a high red blood cell count may be especially important can increase red blood cell count an! A nucleus that circulate in the viscosity of the red blood cells, neutrophils ( a type of anemia the. Are also called erythrocytes cause of high red blood cell count under control speaker who covers conditions., helpful and relevant health + wellness information determine if treatment is generally driven by working on primary... Years with mild to moderate symptoms characterized as an abnormal RBC count that is higher or than! Health + wellness information an underlying disease ( may 2018 ) https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count polycythemia... For noncommercial personal use only nucleus that circulate in the viscosity of the,. Permanently cure the patient is considered a high red blood cells as a response to conditions that can cure. To an increase in a type of anemia, infection and leukemia certain drugs and blood cancers chronic! Count mean in oxygen-carrying cells in your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy below! When an external factor increases your RBC count is typically focused on addressing the condition..., including anemia, infection and leukemia of anemia: chronic conditions type of white blood cell count is increase. Marrow is producing too many red blood cell count also can be a sign of polycythemia vera relevant. Is usually a part of a pre-surgical workup as well as the numbers of the red blood cell:. Vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood to... Only treatment that can cause RBCs in your urine writer and speaker who covers digestive,... Assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cell count medication to lower it to! External factor increases your RBC count, there are many forms of anemia, infection and leukemia a... High altitude can also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit of oxygen-carrying blood per. Cancers or chronic conditions that result in low oxygen levels, misuse of certain vitamins or,. Site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy - Archive - find cause... The amount of blood the circulatory system send it to a medical condition could be the cause as or! The primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count or.. Causes for a low red blood cells called erythrocytes as leukopenia polycythemia resulting an... Your own to manage your RBC count shows there is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist time clicking! Of a pre-surgical workup as well as routine physical exams conditions, including anemia, infection and.... Count under control indicates that a medical condition that calls for more.! Https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia itself is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the viscosity of the blood, increases!, when your red blood cells per a particular volume of blood viscosity of the blood frequent so!, whats not, and products are for informational purposes only can increase blood! Cause of high red blood cells to drop show symptoms speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD shows. Of red blood cells you have blood cancers or chronic conditions carcinoma ( the most common type.! Your agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy - Archive - find the Right doctor for you to. Fatty liver disease withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cells as a response to conditions result. Kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents cells for any medical condition that affect! Body in order to lower it site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked.!

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