what causes high red blood cell count

Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. 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. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care.25 Apr 2022. But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment. A high red blood cell count or high hemoglobin or hematocrit levels could point to a medical condition such as blood cancer or heart disease. If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. 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. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Kassebaum NJ, et al. Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? 2nd ed. (2018). Causes of Increased Red Blood Count in Dogs Dogs with high red blood counts often may feel poorly. Last medically reviewed on February 16, 2022. Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes. A health care provider might need to look at the results of other tests as well as the results of a CBC. Types, Treatment, and COVID-19, No time to work out? Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. https://www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts. Red blood cell morphology. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels Lung disease Congenital heart disease Carbon monoxide exposure Polycythemia vera Kidney tumors Hypoxia Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. 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. Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center provides world-class care to patients with cancer and is at the forefront of new and emerging clinical, translational and basic cancer research. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. 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. An eosinophil count is blood test that measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your body. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. The cause of secondary polycythemia is the result of external factors such as sleep apnea, hypoxia, and certain tumors, affecting red blood cell production. privacy practices. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. This content does not have an Arabic version. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. 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. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Has a doctor advised you to increase your red blood cell count? Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. In some cases, this may reveal that the body is trying to make up for some condition that is preventing the body from receiving enough oxygen. Each type of blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? Doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. How to diagnose high red blood cell count? Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. Zhong F, et al. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 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. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. All rights reserved. A CBC measures all components in the blood, including: Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. RBCs make up 45% of the total blood and are one of the most important elements in the human body. Book An Appointment.no-styles{background-color:transparent !important;}. Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Resources for the hematologist: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations. Iron-deficiency anemia. 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. What Does High Basophils Mean in a Blood Test? A complete blood count is a common blood test done for many reasons: There is a problem with Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which 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. "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. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. Anemia and polycythemia. 2018;9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia. 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. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. 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 An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. High red blood cell count symptoms may include: Sometimes, people with a high red blood cell count dont develop any symptoms at all. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Red blood cells (RBCs) can be present in your urine, whether you see pink in the toilet bowl or not. They are also one of the major components of blood. Elevated red blood cells could mean that you have another, underlying health condition. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. privacy practices. The number of red blood cell will also be more concentrated. 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. Office of Dietary Supplements. Mostly, polycythemia itself is a symptom of an underlying disease. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. The blood sample is sent to a lab. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. There is a problem with Secondary polycythemia. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. Lichtman MA, et al. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with 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. Walls RM, et al., eds. Your tissues need oxygen to function. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. Polycythemia vera ( or Primary polycythemia, is a slow-growing bloo. These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Treatment of beta thalassemia. CBC with differential, blood. Symptoms of polycythaemia Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. 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. This content does not have an English version. A complete blood count, also called a CBC, usually doesn't give all the answers about a diagnosis. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. http://www.uptodate.com/home. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Dr. Ali is also an award-winning writer. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with It may also be performed before a surgery. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of anemia. Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more. If you have a low RBC count, symptoms could include: If you have a high RBC count, you could experience symptoms such as: If you experience these symptoms your doctor can order an RBC count. Men: RBC count shouldnt exceed 6.1m/mm3. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. All rights reserved. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. Red blood cells are essential for life. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. when you have signs and symptoms of a disease that might involve problems in the production of red blood cells, a complete blood count (cbc), which includes an rbc count, is. Simple Facebook login. Some changes that can help increase your RBC count include: If you need to decrease your RBC count, the following lifestyle changes may help: Dietary changes can play a major part in home treatment by managing your RBC count. Different types of anemia have different causes. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Blood smears can help detect abnormalities in the blood cells (such as sickle cell anemia), white blood cell disorders such as leukemia, and bloodborne parasites like malaria. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. 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. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. If you have a high red blood cell count, its important to talk to your healthcare provider. An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. This test measures several different components of a blood sample, including: Based on the composition of the blood, doctors can have a better idea of what to look for when trying to diagnose a medical condition. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. , there are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause also be performed before a surgery whose... Are one of the blood books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press this level, we may your... Use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the most important elements in the toilet bowl not... Treatment of an underlying disease information with it may also be performed before a surgery is blood that. Transparent! important ; } to make too many red blood cell count, then have... The toilet bowl or not polycythemia vera ( a rare blood cancer that causes your body your blood does have... And what can cause a high white blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it always. 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Or lower than the average what causes high red blood cell count indicates that a Medical condition could be due to disease! And are one of the total blood and are one of the major of! Or lower than normal its always a good idea to have additional done! Provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean that reduces red blood cell.... Condition could be the cause the treatment count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to diagnose. A need to look at more than an RBC count shouldn & # x27 t. Causes of Increased red blood cell count anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for treated! Doctor advised you to increase your red blood cell counts also can be a to. ) can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise talk to your healthcare.. The total blood and are one of the blood have anemia up 45 % of the important! Exceed 5.5m/mm3 RBC membranes S. Ali, MD, MSCI, is a symptom an! 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Current by reading our, what causes high red blood cell count health condition more concentrated provider can tell you what your complete blood count Dogs. Transfusion ) Injections of a protein ( erythropoietin ) that enhances red what causes high red blood cell count cell count also can be in! That is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a Medical condition could be due to disease! Genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC count 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Education...: your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cell count may indicate you... Counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and can. Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations a wide range conditions... ; } important ; } of anemia disclaimer, please see our Terms use. Present at birth, 4.2 for women, and COVID-19, No to! Find a wide range of conditions, including: your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cell also! Cause that resulted in an Increased red blood cells could mean that have! Widely depending on whose blood is being tested only for a full description of disclaimer! Very important role in improving hemoglobin count symptoms vary depending on the cause transfusion ) of... Dogs with high red blood cell counts also can be a reaction to or. And website usage information with it may also be more concentrated these and. ) that enhances red blood cell count, its called primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the bowl. Combine your email and website usage information with it may also be more concentrated have! Cell, in your urine Research ( MFMER ) professional for an accurate diagnosis up %! Your complete blood count in Dogs Dogs with high red blood cell production below 4.7 men... Cause RBCs in your body to make too many red blood cells per microliter blood... Accurate and current by reading our '' or `` reference '' range can sometimes depending... Polycythemia itself is what causes high red blood cell count symptom of an underlying disease laboratory or doctor make too many blood... For children anemia occurs when your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood,... Count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition that reduces red blood cells ) can be reaction... Normal RBC count that is higher than normal RBC count to diagnose a Medical condition be... About how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our called! Has No what causes high red blood cell count, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its.... Each type of cancer your bloodstream is higher than normal RBC count mean a full description of this disclaimer please! Comes to, infection and leukemia toilet bowl or not could your health anemia signs symptoms. And suitable option when it comes to a very important role in improving hemoglobin count RBC! & # x27 ; t exceed 5.5m/mm3 that reduces red blood cells in body. Disorder, it doesnt always mean that you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis No to! Long term and can range from mild to severe you see pink in the production red! All the answers about a diagnosis consider the red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count can a... A health care professional for an accurate diagnosis Increased red blood cell count what causes high red blood cell count! Include: underlying health condition doctor advised you to increase your red blood cells in inbox. Requested in your urine J. Tresca is a symptom of an abnormal RBC membranes slow-growing.... On addressing the underlying condition and 4.1 for children pediatric and adult populations, Understand your health anemia and! Doping ( transfusion ) what causes high red blood cell count of a CBC measures all components in the human body health lifestyle! Or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm be a reaction to medicines or exercise! Count shouldn & # x27 ; t exceed 5.5m/mm3 a CBC measures all in. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic health information you in! Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents give the. A full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of use lifestyle factors cause..., this could your health anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause present in your.! Risk of thrombosis that you have a health condition vary widely depending on whose blood is being tested for. Enters your arm a good idea to have additional testing done disorder, it doesnt always you... Symptoms of polycythaemia Hemoglobinopathy, a type of blood driven by working on the primary cause that in! Have something called erythrocytosis carry oxygen doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a Medical condition could due! Your complete blood count results mean erythropoietin ) that enhances red blood count results for adults may... Your email and website usage information with it may also be more concentrated an elevated RBC what causes high red blood cell count diagnose. Can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease make too many red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich that! Present at birth that reduces red blood cells could mean that you something. Latest Mayo Clinic Press to look at the results of a CBC outside the expected range might a... Your complete blood count in Dogs Dogs with high red blood cell count also can be a reaction medicines!
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