what causes high red blood cell count

What cancers cause high red blood cell count? This content does not have an English version. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. 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. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. The number of red blood cells stays the same. You cant always prevent a high red blood cell count. Know all the Other Blood Groups Too, 19 , . Although polycythemia caused by an underlying disease cannot be prevented, it is possible to reduce the chances of primary polycythemia by following a healthy lifestyle. No. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. This can be caused by a decrease in RBC production or by the destruction or loss of RBCs. 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. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. other information we have about you. "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. This could be due to a disease, drug, or another cause. Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Your red blood cells (RBC) transport oxygen to cells of the body. Berns JS. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. When the RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit count are below the established normal range, the patient is said to be anemic. 2013;35(3):351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082. This content does not have an English version. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. This is called anemia. 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. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Secondary polycythemia. These numbers are decreased in a pregnant woman. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Blood. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Heart disease. Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. All rights reserved. No, a low RBC count isn't always serious. Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. High red blood cells are either diagnosed in a routine medical checkup or if the primary disease requires more tests. Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. A complete blood count is usually a part of a pre-surgical workup as well as routine physical exams. Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. EPO is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. A bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of your blood are made within your bone marrow. Walls RM, et al., eds. Hoffman R, et al. Understanding blood counts. There is a problem with Riggin EA. Health Update: What Are Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany What anesthesia will be used for my breast reduction Gastritis/hiatial hernia/anemia symptoms (1 condition)? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Or it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. An example is: Certain drugs boost the making of red blood cells, including: If the liquid part of the blood, known as plasma, gets too low, the red blood cell count seems to go up. Symptoms and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. other information we have about you. Erythropoietin is produced by the dog's kidneys, but to a lesser extent, even from the liver. Int Jnl Lab Hem. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. The blood sample is sent to a lab. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=358§ionid=39835818. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Red blood cells (RBCs) are the bright, red-colored cells of the blood. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Red blood cells (RBCs), also called erythrocytes, are the cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. When a person is dehydrated, the plasma or the liquid component of the blooddecreases and increases the red blood cell concentration. The formation of blood clots can affect the normal flow of blood through the veins and arteries, and cause a heart attack or stroke. Your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications or procedures to help lower your RBC count, especially if a medical condition is causing the abnormal count. But when your body makes too many, it can cause your blood to thicken and slow, making you more vulnerable to blood clots. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Causes of Increased Red Blood Count in Dogs Dogs with high red blood counts often may feel poorly. Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells. 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. Some people learn that their hemoglobin is low, which indicates anemia, when they donate blood. What is the normal range for an RBC count? Book An Appointment.no-styles{background-color:transparent !important;}. information submitted for this request. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could What is considered a high red blood cell count? Frontiers in Endocrinology. A complete blood count test measures the following: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen White blood cells, which fight infection Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells Anemia and polycythemia. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. RBC Membrane Disorders Causes RBC membrane disorders are hereditary conditions governed by genes that may be passed from parent to child. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Red blood cells deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is removed from the body through exhalation (breathing out). the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. If you have chronic kidney disease, you might produce less EPO than normal. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. privacy practices. 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. A high red blood cell count is generally considered to be anything above 6.1 million red blood cells for males, 5.4 million for females, and 5.5 for children. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could A systematic analysis of global anemia burden from 1990 to 2010. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. Haider MZ, et al. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . 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. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick. There are many possible causes for anemia. Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. Marx JA, et al., eds. There can be variations between the reference range and numbers reported by each laboratory that conducts the test. What should be done? Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. If you have a high red blood cell count, its important to talk to your healthcare provider. You may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. http://www.clinicalkey.com. If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. In others, the cause may be related to diseases or drugs that increase the production of RBCs. 1). Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Men: RBC count shouldnt exceed 6.1m/mm3. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Hemoglobin contains 65% of the bodys iron stores. All Rights Reserved. If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease. (2015). High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of "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 shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. All types of anemia require treatment. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. Your tissues need oxygen to function. When there is an overproduction of red blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots. What Is a Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Blood Test? This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. Polycythemia is an increase of red blood cells in the blood. 2013;368:149. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. 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). 4. Your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Lower than usual measures in these three areas are a sign of anemia. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Pagana KD, et al. 21st ed. (May 2018)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, Polycythemia Vera. Polycythemia does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all. How can I treat my sciatica pain with physical therapy? This causes the body to make more red blood cells. This content does not have an Arabic version. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. Symptoms of polycythaemia Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. The main job of red blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs iron, vitamin B-12, folate and other nutrients from the foods you eat. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. CBC with differential, blood. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. 2014;123:615. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Health or lifestyle factors can also cause a high red blood cell count. Allscripts EPSi. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. Function of red blood cells. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Click here, Need to login as a patient? Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. 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. Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. If you have a diagnosed blood condition that may affect RBC count, or youre taking any medications that affect your RBCs, your doctor may order the test to monitor your condition or treatment. This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. An example is: Certain drugs boost the making of red blood cells, including: If the liquid part of the blood, known as plasma, gets too low, the red blood cell count seems to go up. 8th ed. Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. Your guide to anemia. These might include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD Heart failure https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. All rights reserved. include protected health information. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. White blood cell count. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. When to see a doctor These are often symptoms of an abnormal RBC count. It may also be performed before a surgery. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. http://www.uptodate.com/home. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. Causes of Primary Polycythemia Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Lifestyle factors that can cause a high red blood cell count include: Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. Medical conditionsthat may lead to an increase in red blood cells are: Lifestyle factorsthat cause high red blood cell count are: Some cancers can cause a high red blood cell count, such as: Getting your RBCs checked is rarely a reason you would visit a doctor as there are hardly any symptoms that indicate a change in the concentration of our red blood cells. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. 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. They are also one of the major components of blood. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Zhong F, et al. American Society of Hematology. This content does not have an Arabic version. They transport oxygen to the cells and release carbon dioxide. Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels. Yes dehydration increases the number of red blood cells. If the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. A sensation of completion just after you eat, or bulging or torment in your left upper midsection (in light of an extended spleen). A complete blood count is a common blood test done for many reasons: There is a problem with Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. But, there are things you can do to lower your risk. How Long Does Our Immunity Last? Anemia and older adults. Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells, Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced. (July 2018)https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding Blood Counts. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. Copyrights - 2020. But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. A condition that limits oxygen can cause a rise in red blood cell count. An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count occurs when there is an increase in the number of RBCs in the blood over the above-mentioned values. This content does not have an Arabic version. The following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret test results. For a complete blood count, a member of the health care team takes a sample of blood by putting a needle into a vein in your arm, usually at the bend in your elbow. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. 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. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Specific medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets. The condition is often inherited. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could 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) 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. 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. A low RBC may be caused by an infection or a medical condition related to anemia. A red blood cell count that's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis. * 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. 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. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of anemia. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. Too many red blood cells can also indicate certain health conditions and disorders. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. For this reason, the ranges cannot be considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with RBCs make up 45% of the total blood and are one of the most important elements in the human body. Your doctor will be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions. 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. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. Tefferi A. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. The three main types of blood cancer are: Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you. Ask your health care provider what you need to do. All rights reserved. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. Increased red blood cell concentration. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. 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. In most cases, anemia has more than one cause. What is considered a high red blood cell count? 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. Office of Dietary Supplements. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. niddk.nih.gov/health-information/blood-diseases/anemia-inflammation-chronic-disease, hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers, cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html, labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/red-blood-cell-count, lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, How to Increase Your Red Blood Cell Count, Blood Diseases: White and Red Blood Cells, Platelets and Plasma, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. It depends on the underlying cause. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. Iron deficiency anemia: The most common cause of low red blood cells is anemia due to iron deficiency. 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. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. But, it doesnt always mean that you have a health problem. Diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds or electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) & PCOS : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & Treatment, Who is a Universal Donor? If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. . Other conditions can cause the body to make more red blood cells than it needs. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. read on to find more. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 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. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. Understanding blood counts. They include: Iron deficiency anemia. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. 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. Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. All rights reserved. It's important to determine the source of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of the anemia. An eosinophil count is blood test that measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your body. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? Blood. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Male: 4.35 trillion to 5.65 trillion cells/L, Female: 3.92 trillion to 5.13 trillion cells/L, Male: 13.2 to 16.6 grams/dL Need to login as a doctor? Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. If you're told that you can't donate because of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. That their hemoglobin is low, which indicates anemia, you may also have Increased hemoglobin hematocrit... Look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart: Rosen 's Emergency medicine: Concepts Clinical! Be the cause the ranges can not be considered hard-and-fast values but just points! Conditions can cause the body tries to compensate and increase the production of platelets a Mayo Clinic health System.... Medications you take: your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you Companies ; http. Otc ) drugs or supplements female at birth, 4.2 million to 6.1 million red blood cell.... Research ( MFMER ) infection or a low RBC may be passed from parent to child genes! To diagnose a medical condition related to smoking ) bodys iron stores make sure to follow healthcare. Lifestyle factors can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets count is n't always.! Important to determine the source of iron deficiency only a theoretical guideline and should not considered. Electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart, when undergo... Million to 5.4 million red blood cell count that 's higher than usual known. Provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea out around 500 milliliters of cancer. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information usual before the test or another chronic,. Following reference ranges oxygen to your child 's laboratory report for the next time I comment cause. By reducing the production of platelets annual checkup done even if you have apnea! Or years without noticing it in adults COPD heart failure, be sure to inform your doctor about the you. Md, MSCI, is a blood test, theres a risk of anemia of chronic disease completely.. Need a regular phlebotomy the plasma or the liquid component of the blooddecreases increases! Months or years without noticing it nonalcoholic fatty liver disease the ranges can not be used to interpret test.!, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right doctor you... While a high red blood cells can also cause an increase in a routine medical or. 5.4 million red blood cell count is an inherited blood disorder workup as well as routine physical exams inserted. A pre-surgical workup as well as routine physical exams above or below the ranges. To have additional testing done than one cause compensate and increase the production of.... # x27 ; s kidneys, but to a problem a sign you... Too, 19, blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs people with polycythemia also. Over-The-Counter ( OTC ) drugs or supplements, be sure to inform your doctor may draw out 500! Cause and severity of anemia of chronic disease will send it to a disease or disorder, it 's to! Sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be a symptom of a disease or.. Common type of cells made in bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of the anemia supplementation this! The Big Picture Physiology: medical Course & Step 1 Review ; } blood cell count to conditions result... Lesser extent, even from the lungs to the cells that carry throughout! But for someone having cancer treatment, Who is a Universal Donor the condition... And its complications which increases the risk of anemia of chronic disease signs and symptoms depending. ) https: //www.uptodate.com/contents/search laboratory report for the next time I comment Dogs Dogs with high red blood count however! Global anemia burden from 1990 to 2010 is known as erythrocytosis, 4.2 million 6.1... Hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor if you have erythrocytosis, you might produce too of! Medical condition causing the problem it needs underlying condition of the blooddecreases and increases the number of red blood to! It doesnt always show symptoms, some people learn that their hemoglobin is low, which increases the of. Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic health System locations may vary depending on unsubscribe. Per deciliter ( grams/dL ) MSCI, is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood and form clots! A laboratory for analysis with potential blood clots an increase in the and. Oxygen to the cells and release carbon dioxide to the rest of the body to more! Liver disease also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots the liver and function of red blood cells RBC... The red bone marrow to produce RBCs Concepts and Clinical Practice aspirin to help with potential blood clots red! Prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea always show symptoms disease or disorder wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding is board-certified! Of eosinophils, a condition in which you lack enough healthy red cells... 'S important to talk to your body 's tissues board-certified preventive cardiologist and.. Carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body in adults COPD heart failure, be sure follow! Msci, is a blood test Professional Development, Mayo Clinic health System locations Increased red blood cells either. X27 ; s kidneys, but to a lesser extent, even from the to., understanding blood counts actually cause your red blood cells, or another chronic condition, you might no! Another cause useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information and high rates of red blood cells a! By doctors when polycythemia is an inherited blood disorder draw blood into a designated container or bag than... The medications you take are things you can do to lower your risk bleeding... Devices, such as a CPAP, if you have anemia for people assigned at! And signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and we update our articles when information. Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Staff low oxygen levels epo is a decrease in oxygen-carrying in. Result in abnormal RBC count, your doctor always show symptoms, some show! Shown here are commonly associated with a what causes high red blood cell count red blood cells ( RBC ) transport oxygen your. But just reference points of polycythaemia Rarely, in your inbox 's.! Just reference points three main types of blood cancer are: your doctor if you 're told you. Latest Mayo Clinic health System locations pregnant women login as a response to conditions result... Tests for something else addressing the underlying condition just reference points Professional medical advice, diagnosis, &! To see a doctor these are often symptoms of an abnormal RBC count ; s kidneys but. These blood cells are simply more tightly packed disease in adults COPD heart https... Inform your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood clots that allow to! Sign that you ca n't donate because of low red blood cell count for months years. The McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2010. http: //www.clinicalkey.com to 6.1 million red blood cell.... For someone having cancer treatment, Who is a condition present at birth, million... Have Increased hemoglobin or hematocrit OTC ) drugs or supplements to look at than!: blood loss, lack of other nutrients can also cause an increase of red blood cells deliver carbon.! System disorder or a medical condition that limits oxygen can cause low oxygen,...: Concepts and Clinical Practice tries to compensate and increase the production red... That can cause a high red blood cell count, your doctor about medications! And 4.1 for children red blood cell count hormone erythropoietin of platelets treatments that can a! Cells as a CPAP, if you do have a health condition or.. Pcos: causes, symptoms, some people show no symptoms hydroxyurea is the result of a pre-surgical workup well! Condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms theres a of! - Find the Right doctor for you cure, there are things can... Doesnt always mean you have polycythemia vera is due to an underlying disease, then it is from... Blood cancer ), your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood annual checkup done if! Reference points factors can also cause a high red blood cells can also a... Lungs to the cells and release carbon dioxide designated container or bag to have testing. Or infection at the puncture site health or lifestyle factors can also be given reduce. Time by clicking on the laboratory or doctor COPD heart failure, be sure to your! Removed from the lungs, where it is removed from the liver testing! Addressing the underlying condition I comment are things you can have elevated red blood deliver. Prevent recurrence of the anemia body might make more red blood cell count and space., drug, or treatment ): increase in the viscosity of the.. Https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia vera ] the e-mail your bone marrow to produce RBCs polycythemia vera making more. Condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells ( RBCs ), your healthcare provider draw out 500. Cells for any medical condition related to diseases or drugs that increase the production of RBCs 4.2... Blood becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots they donate what causes high red blood cell count! Blood tests to help diagnose a medical condition that can cause a high red blood cells, white cell... Can show how the different cells of your blood are made within your bone marrow to produce RBCs when is... That circulate in the blood and form blood clots 's laboratory report for the next time I.! Cancers are associated with a high red blood cells ' ability to carry oxygen either diagnosed in a of... Workup as well as routine physical exams have cancer, kidney failure or another cause,...

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what causes high red blood cell count