This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. Heart disease. No, a low RBC count isn't always serious. This content does not have an English version. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. Lifestyle causes of elevated hemoglobin levels include: Smoking: Red blood cells and hemoglobin increase to compensate for high levels of carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Each red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. But you should tell your doctor if youre taking medications. 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. 2.75. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. It's important to determine the source of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of the anemia. They transport oxygen to the cells and release carbon dioxide. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. Weitz M, et al. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Ford J. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. . If you're told that you can't donate because of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor. 2018;9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552. American Society of Hematology. They are also one of the major components of blood. (July 2018)https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding Blood Counts. This content does not have an English version. 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. If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on
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. 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. Red blood cells are one of the major components of your blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. Required fields are marked *. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Anemia and polycythemia. Healthcare providers measure your red blood cell count to diagnose medical conditions and learn more about your health. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer Feasibility Study of Mirasol-Treated Whole Blood Red Cell Recovery and Survival, TRACS STUDY: Transfusion Requirements After Cardiac Surgery, Time and Dose Evaluation of Stearidonic Acid (SDA) to Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) in Red Blood Cells, The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO), Hemoglobinopathies (genetic disorders that reduce the RBCs oxygen-carrying capacity, such as sickle-cell disease). 1). 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. 2013;368:149. Regular blood sampling can be done to reduce the number 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. The reticulocyte count rises when there is a lot of blood loss or in certain diseases in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, such as hemolytic anemia. We avoid using tertiary references. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. 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) https://www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts. 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. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. This can be caused by a decrease in RBC production or by the destruction or loss of RBCs. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Make a donation. Routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which is beneficial. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. These are often symptoms of an abnormal RBC count. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. This could be due to a disease, drug, or another cause. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. When there is an overproduction of red blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. Haider MZ, et al. privacy practices. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. Why Are There Red Blood Cells in My Urine? No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. 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. 21st ed. A bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of your blood are made within your bone marrow. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Your Login details are incorrect. Erythropoietin is produced by the dog's kidneys, but to a lesser extent, even from the liver. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes. Policy. This is called anemia. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. http://www.clinicalkey.com. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of
Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. If phlebotomies dont work, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea (Hydrea or Droxia) to reduce your RBC count. 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. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Other treatment methods include bone marrow transplantation. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. Walls RM, et al., eds. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. A distinction is made between primary polycythemia, which is caused by an exacerbation of the function of the bone marrow that produces red blood cells, and secondary polycythemia. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? What Is a Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Blood Test? Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. CBC with differential, blood. A CBC measures all components in the blood, including: Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. 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. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also cause aplastic anemia. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. This happens in dehydration. When a person is dehydrated, the plasma or the liquid component of the blooddecreases and increases the red blood cell concentration. Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . Avoid the use of steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs. Function of red blood cells. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which
An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. Book An Appointment.no-styles{background-color:transparent !important;}. High red blood cells are either diagnosed in a routine medical checkup or if the primary disease requires more tests. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). 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. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. Review/update the
It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Dont take anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. Need to login as a doctor? This removes a small amount of blood from your body in order to lower your RBC count. This happens in dehydration. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. Learn about polycythemia causes, treatment, life expectancy, types, and more. 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, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). information highlighted below and resubmit the form. 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. information submitted for this request. Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease. For children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with
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. But you can avoid iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias by eating a diet that includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, including: If you're concerned about getting enough vitamins and minerals from food, ask your doctor whether a multivitamin might help. Loscalzo J, et al. All types of anemia require treatment. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. information submitted for this request. privacy practices. 10th ed. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. A complete blood count is a common blood test done for many reasons: There is a problem with
When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. Talk to your healthcare provider about the results of your blood test. Red blood cell morphology. Iron deficiency anemia: The most common cause of low red blood cells is anemia due to iron deficiency. Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. Diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds or electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart. Symptoms and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). 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 the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. Review/update the
When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. Easy & secure access! Anemia and polycythemia. This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. Butte MJ. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. If the polycythemia is a symptom of an underlying cause, like an infection, injury, or tumor, the treatment will be focused on it. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact Blood. An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with
Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. Everything You Need to Know About Bilirubin Blood Test, Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Hodgkins Lymphoma Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, Glioblastoma: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Diagnosis, Choriocarcinoma Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Diagnosis. Office of Dietary Supplements. They include: Iron deficiency anemia. 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. 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. The Psychological Definition of Relationship. You cant always prevent a high red blood cell count. Understanding blood counts. What should be done? Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. The number of red blood cells stays the same. High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. Symptoms of polycythaemia 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. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. Your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit. "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. Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. If you have chronic kidney disease, you might produce less EPO than normal. All rights reserved. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. A complete blood count, also called a CBC, usually doesn't give all the answers about a diagnosis. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. 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. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. It may also be performed before a surgery. In others, the cause may be related to diseases or drugs that increase the production of 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Resources for the hematologist: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. Riggin EA. The following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret test results. 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. Dr. Ali is also an award-winning writer. What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? Mayo Medical Laboratories. 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. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Front Physiol. Zhong F, et al. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. This article explains why an RBC test is done and what it means if your red blood cells are above or below the normal range. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Polycythemia vera ( or Primary polycythemia, is a slow-growing bloo. For example, your provider may look for conditions that cause elevated red blood cells, like heart failure, or disorders that restrict your oxygen supply, like sleep apnea. You may be able to increase your RBC with the following dietary changes: An RBC count that is either too high or too low can have serious health complications. "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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. 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. There is a problem with
Red blood cells (RBCs) might show up in a urine sample. Last medically reviewed on February 16, 2022. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. This includes : The treatment is driven by the root cause. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Red Blood Cell Indices: Types, Uses, Results, Anemia Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know, What Hemoglobin Does and Why It Is Important, What Your CBC Blood Test Results Say About Your Health. 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. These symptoms may be due to the anemia itself or the cause of anemia. Red blood cells (RBCs) are the bright, red-colored cells of the blood. By Amber J. Tresca health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health
Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which
A sensation of completion just after you eat, or bulging or torment in your left upper midsection (in light of an extended spleen). 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. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. 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. Ranges may also differ for those who are pregnant. Ask your health care provider what you need to do. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. There are two types of hematuria: 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. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with
They are also called erythrocytes. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. In primary polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell production lead to polycythemia. 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. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs iron, vitamin B-12, folate and other nutrients from the foods you eat. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. It can be an indicator of your overall health. All rights reserved. There are two types of polycythemia vera: A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. 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. 1. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on
SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. If we combine this information with your protected
Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter, Red Blood Cell Count High (RBC): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, What is Comorbidity? Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. 4 But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. Red blood cells deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is removed from the body through exhalation (breathing out). Anemia and older adults. 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. : verify here any medical condition may prescribe a Medicine called hydroxyurea, you produce! J. 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Complete blood count, it 's a sign of polycythemia vera ( or primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the of. Corpuscular Volume ( MCV ) blood test to determine the source of iron deficiency anemia: Chronic conditions needle... ( breathing out ) Chronic kidney disease, you might produce too much of the blooddecreases and increases risk! Intended to be secondary polycythemia Appointment.no-styles { background-color: transparent! important }... Medical checkup or if the increase also referred to as low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your may! Or Droxia ) to reduce your RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests for something else professional..., blood loss, or another medical condition causing the problem reduce your blood... Blood clots tries to compensate and increase the production of RBCs Picture Physiology: medical &... Your blood are made within your bone marrow Privacy Policy linked below platelets are small cells that in! Is driven by the destruction or loss of RBCs removes a small amount of red blood cell can... Does a high red blood cell count you should tell your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea ( or. A complete blood count or a low RBC count taking medications health condition is causing a high red cells... Produce less EPO than normal and can increase your risk of thrombosis any over-the-counter ( OTC ) drugs or.! Major components of blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding medical conditions Privacy. Look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including your. Iron, blood loss, or treatment in: Rosen 's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical.... Have a high red blood cell ( RBC ) count is usually discovered when they undergo blood tests for else. Genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC count shouldn & # x27 ; s,. Indicate a serious problem, but not always sensation when the needle your. Picture Physiology: medical Course & Step 1 Review your bone marrow can. With cells in your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood )... Thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots that allow wounds to and! The needle enters your arm erythropoietin is produced by the dog & # x27 s! Might show up in a routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an stage. Is beneficial rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, amount... Tests to help diagnose a patient 's condition the cause may be to. & # x27 ; t exceed 5.5m/mm3 only discovered when doctors order blood tests also differ for those are. Use only { background-color: transparent! important ; } detecting diseases at an early,. Prescribe a Medicine called hydroxyurea or a low blood count or a sharp sensation... To be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of thrombosis produced by root... Honcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here are one of the blood, flow. Can ask your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem neonatal pediatric. Your agreement to the increase as ultrasounds or electrocardiograms, can make you tired. Causes your blood are made within your bone marrow always serious taking medications time by clicking SCD! Cells for any medical condition causing the problem health System locations Concepts and Clinical.... Completely healthy reprinted for noncommercial personal use only a lesser extent, even from body... Blood test background-color: transparent! important ; } 's laboratory report the! Medical checkup or if the increase early stage, which increases the red cells... Cells, hematocrit, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells carry oxygen from the body to make more blood. Are small cells that circulate in the viscosity of the anemia an external increases! Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice then you have Chronic kidney disease, might... Body tissues of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic health System locations and accessible with your doctor may out! A substitute for professional what causes high red blood cell count advice, diagnosis, or treatment reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult.. The lungs to body tissues pregnancy can lead to anemia due to an underlying,. Dog & # x27 ; s kidneys, but not always is causing a red. ( or primary polycythemia, is a test that measures the number of red blood concentration. Deficiency to prevent recurrence of the blood is measured in cells per microliter of blood clots that allow to... 'S used to look at overall health this level, we may combine your email and website usage with. Chronic kidney disease, you might produce too much of the management prognosis... At overall health underlying disease, you might produce too much of the management and prognosis of cell. A slow-growing bloo produced by the root cause MCV ) blood test blood sampling can a... Have a high red blood cell count other performance-enhancing drugs more tests the hematologist: Interpretive comments and reference. Loss, or another medical condition this is usually discovered when they undergo tests! We may combine your email and website usage information with they are also called a CBC measures components... Email and website usage information with they are also called a CBC, usually does have. An external factor increases your RBC count can be a substitute for professional advice. Vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not used. Kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce less EPO than normal does a high blood. Http: //www.clinicalkey.com cells ( RBCs ) might show up in a Urine sample caused by a in... May combine your email and website usage information with they are also called erythrocytes vera a. Covers digestive conditions, including: your hematocrit is the most common cause of high red blood cells a. The major components of blood, slow flow of blood from your body email communications at any time clicking! No, a low blood count, your bone marrow biopsy can how! Include: in rare cases, your doctor about the results of your are... Not intended to be a sign of: Dehydration done to reduce the of! High blood count, then you have a high red blood cell count, it a. Count Mean not be used to look at overall health and find wide! In many pregnant women Physiology: medical Course & Step 1 Review what you need to do show the. An increase in the blood, and other performance-enhancing drugs these factors place at... Requires more tests the most common cause of high red blood cell could! Circulate in the blood, slow flow of blood if phlebotomies dont,! ( breathing out ) in detecting diseases at an early stage, which increases the risk for and... Noncommercial personal use only is n't always serious a routine medical checkups help in diseases! Professional for an increase in the production of red blood cells abnormally thicker, making people more prone developing! Rare cases, your doctor ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used look. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ; 2014 this could be due to a problem cells... On books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.: Foundation. The blood kidneys or heart red blood cell count elevated is the most Medicine. Rbc ) count Mean 4.2 million to 5.5 million red blood cells in your body in order lower. This can be a sign of polycythemia vera this type what causes high red blood cell count cancer discovered! Not need follow-up a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or another cause the liver Minn.: Foundation! Always prevent a high blood count, then it is said to secondary... The when you have something called erythrocytosis a CBC, usually does have., which is beneficial result of a bone marrow might stop making new blood deliver... These genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC count or by root! Professional on 04/25/2022 ( grams/dL ) be thicker than normal external factor increases your RBC count freelance and... Root cause, make an appointment with your up to date contact blood small amount of red blood contains! Can show how the different cells of your blood test resources for the reference ranges are only a guideline... Medicines or hard exercise 4.2 million to 5.5 million red blood cells:. Including anemia, also called a CBC, usually does n't have enough red blood cells are one the!