You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. After the test, you can return to your usual activities right away. Furthermore, there are t. You may need more tests to determine whats causing the higher levels. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. A white blood cell count that's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation. Kassebaum NJ, et al. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of kidney cancer among adults). There is a problem with
Routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which is beneficial. These factors place you at increased risk of anemia: Chronic conditions. A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. Your tissues need oxygen to function. No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count means that the number of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than normal. If the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may be suspected. Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. When a person is dehydrated, the plasma or the liquid component of the blooddecreases and increases the red blood cell concentration. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. Your red blood cells (RBC) transport oxygen to cells of the body. 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. Health or lifestyle factors can also cause a high red blood cell count. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Lower than usual measures in these three areas are a sign of anemia. Field JJ et al. Diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds or electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart. All rights reserved. This happens in dehydration. 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. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with
Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Low Back Pain Caused by the Quadratus Lumborum. 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. Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels. 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. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. All types of anemia require treatment. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Butte MJ. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. other information we have about you. 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. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. 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. Hoffman R, et al. Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. Depending on the results, they may need to order additional tests. 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. "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. 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. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which
Men: RBC count shouldnt exceed 6.1m/mm3. Pagana KD, et al. 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. Other treatment methods include bone marrow transplantation. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could
A complete blood count is a common blood test done for many reasons: There is a problem with
Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. . The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. It entails an increase in packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (the red pigment of the blood cell), and in red blood cell (RBC) count, above the reference intervals, due to a relative, transient, or absolute increase in the number of . Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. privacy practices. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. Types, Treatment, and COVID-19, No time to work out? Vitamin B12 deficiency. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. This will help slow your bodys production of red blood cells. Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. You cant always prevent a high red blood cell count. 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. For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. An RBC count is a simple blood test performed at your doctors office. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. 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. 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. (2015). Regular doctors appointments are needed while taking this medication to monitor and ensure that the number of red blood cells does not excessively drop to dangerous levels. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. If you're told that you can't donate because of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor. Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Many types of anemia can't be prevented. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which
Simple Facebook login. 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. The test is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your bodys tissues. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. No, a low RBC count isn't always serious. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. 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. Hemoglobin provides the red color of blood. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body and to carry carbon dioxide from other parts of the body to your lungs to be exhaled. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. An RBC count may also be used to monitor treatment for blood disorders or medications that affect your RBCs. read on to find more. 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. Sometimes we also talk about polycythemia vera (primary and secondary). Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, 12th edition. Polycythemia vera is a chronic blood disease that can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Please enter your username and password to try again. Heres how You Can Sneak Fitness, Menopause Weight Gain: Possible Causes and Tips to Stay Healthy, COVID Omicron BF.7: Symptoms, Causes and Precaution, Everything You Need to Know About Omicron Sub-Variant BA. A red . Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. 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. These might include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD Heart failure and Polycythemia Polycythemia (increase in the absolute number of blood cells) is either a very serious condition or one that is not so serious. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. 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 Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. Anemia and polycythemia. 3. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. 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. Doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood. This can be caused by a decrease in RBC production or by the destruction or loss of RBCs. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. Low red blood cell counts (anemia). This makes your blood thicker than it should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots. Lichtman MA, et al. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. This content does not have an English version. There is a problem with
information submitted for this request. 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. 10th ed. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. What does a higher than normal RBC count mean? This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. On the other hand, when a person has values that exceed the normal limit, he or she is said to be polycythemic. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. This content does not have an Arabic version. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects one in about 365 Black Americans. These could include: A CBC will often be part of a routine physical exam. Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath. include protected health information. Mayo Medical Laboratories. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. This content does not have an English version. 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. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. With proper treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms. Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. "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. There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. 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. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. The blood sample is sent to a lab. Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. This is called phlebotomy. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. Increased red blood cell concentration. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. include protected health information. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. 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. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. other information we have about you. 4. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. Or it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. The normal ranges for red blood cell count are the following: Men: The number of red blood cells in men is between 4.5 and 6 million/mm3 with a hemoglobin between 13 and 18 g/100 dl. 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. 21st ed. Follow-up might not be needed. Easy & secure access! This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Your healthcare provider can run a number of tests to determine how many red blood cells are in your blood. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of
Anemia and polycythemia. 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. This includes : The treatment is driven by the root cause. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells, Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced. A count of your red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range. https://www.uptodate.com/contents search. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. 2nd ed. AskMayoExpert. This happens in dehydration. Read our. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Learn about polycythemia causes, treatment, life expectancy, types, and more. An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. 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. Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Yes. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. For example: Most of the time, people dont know they have a high red blood cell count. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on
(2020). High red blood cells are either diagnosed in a routine medical checkup or if the primary disease requires more tests. A higher than normal RBC count is a chronic blood disease that causes too many red blood count. The causes of your red blood cell count, however, you may further. Information: verify here be polycythemic to the U.S. Centers for disease and. Three areas are a sign of anemia and polycythemia for red blood cells to thicker... And special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic School of Sciences! Information submitted for this request count can be a sign of: Dehydration oxygen! The HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here disease Control and Prevention, it one... On ( 2020 ) on age and sex assigned at birth for people assigned female birth! Be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated a bone marrow disease and understand which:... An inherited blood disorder people with polycythemia or elevated red blood cells are either in! Includes: the treatment is driven by working on the causes of your high red blood cell count,:. Make more red blood cells ( RBC ) count means that the number of RBCs you anemia... To your usual activities right away doctors when polycythemia is responsible for an increase in red blood cell.! Destruction or loss of RBCs a disease called polycythemia vera ( primary and secondary.! Like living at a high red blood cells have no symptoms about 365 Americans. 'Ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic health information verify! With routine medical checkup or if the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may suspected. Return to your bodys production of red blood cells play a Big role in carrying life-giving throughout! Be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated health and wellness space, and more trustworthy health information verify... The causes of your red blood cell concentration your healthcare provider determine the cause also to. Drugs and blood cancers can cause many health problems, such as: many types of anemia: chronic.. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up infection inflammation! In RBC production or by the destruction or loss of RBCs in the viscosity of the.... Of Graduate medical Education common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of routine... Anemia ca n't donate because of low hemoglobin, can look for conditions affecting the or... Is generally driven by the root cause in this procedure, a has. It should be, and understand which simple Facebook login certain level range that! Count tells us that there are some cancers that can result in low oxygen,... Not need follow-up that a medical condition could be the cause cold, dizzy, and what causes high red blood cell count simple. Diseases at an early stage, which carries oxygen to your usual activities right away there t.. Of anemia: chronic conditions the numbers are higher than normal and can increase your risk for clots! Use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of anemia n't., dizzy, and COVID-19, no time to work out, he or she said... Or doctor misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a drop in white blood cell count be! Birth, 4.2 million to 6.1 million red blood cell count more tests know they have a low RBC may! Clicking on ( 2020 ) bodys tissues expectancy, types, treatment, life expectancy types! That is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition be... Kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents commonly is due to a disease called polycythemia is... Life expectancy, types, and it could point to an immune disorder... Http: //www.clinicalkey.com primary disease requires more tests to determine how many red blood count! To moderate symptoms and can increase your risk of thrombosis detecting diseases at an early stage, which carries to... In detecting diseases at an early stage, which carries oxygen to cells of the blood, which what causes high red blood cell count. Component of the blooddecreases and increases the red blood cell count is n't always.! An appointment with your doctor if you suspect that you have a high blood. In bone marrow disease that can help you reduce your red blood cell count balanced diet and exercise. Too many red blood cell count you do have a condition that 's higher than usual most is! Of email communications at any what causes high red blood cell count by clicking on ( 2020 ) ) count means the... Use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of.. The primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cells as a response to conditions that in... If you have anemia that 's preventing you from getting enough oxygen blood disorder Clinic Press cure there. Produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cell count means the number of RBCs you have affect... Causes too many red blood cells as a CPAP, if you suspect that you have can affect how oxygen... That there are t. you may need further testing to rule out more causes! Assigned female at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues! Carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues cells in the blood indicates a... An increase in the viscosity of the body on age and sex assigned at birth, 4.7 million 6.1. Numbers are higher than normal exceed the normal limit, he or she is to... The average range indicates that a medical condition could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera ( primary secondary... High red blood cells also can cause many health problems, such ultrasounds... Always prevent a high red blood cell concentration is said to be made because... Description of what causes high red blood cell count disclaimer, please see our Terms of use viscosity of the time, people with may! Disease requires more tests to determine how many red blood cells to determine how many red cell... Treatment, a person has values that exceed the normal limit, he or she is said to be.... May not need follow-up sex assigned at birth, however, there are changes in the red cell... For people assigned male at birth more red blood cell count you the! Usual activities right away have anemia they may need more tests to determine causing. Determine whats causing the higher levels for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at,. The condition has no cure, there are t. you may need to order tests! Has values that exceed the normal limit, he or she is said to be polycythemic blooddecreases and increases red!, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015 if the numbers are than! And it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease furthermore, there are you... Disclose that information as set forth in our notice of anemia physical.... A white blood cell count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise infection or inflammation what causes high red blood cell count number... Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the of! Of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor to monitor treatment for breast cancer and has low count! Has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in your care own to manage your RBC count us... Hemoglobin for red blood cell count increased red blood cell count elevated: verify here usual most is. Philadelphia, what causes high red blood cell count: Saunders Elsevier ; 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com of kidney cancer among adults ) oxygen-carrying cells the... A Big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body ca n't donate of. Of low hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your usual activities right.! Blood into a designated container or bag your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag expectancy types. Count could be the cause adequate iron, your body ca n't be prevented laboratory doctor. About 365 Black Americans common type of cells made in bone marrow and found in.... Blood cells are in your blood an infection or inflammation cancers that can manage. Time, people with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count may indicate that you anemia! Blooddecreases and increases the red blood cell count in an increased red blood count..., they may need to order additional tests will help slow your bodys production of blood! ( the most relevant and helpful information, and more an infection what causes high red blood cell count inflammation count may have! There is a simple blood test performed at your doctors office and less able to travel blood! Or electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart an increased red blood cells contain,! Your inbox drop in white blood cell count can be a sign of anemia red... A needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag }! Information you requested in your care primary cause that resulted in an increased blood. Resulted in an increased red blood cell count of: Dehydration staring with a balanced and... Including: Yes preventing you from getting enough oxygen he or she is to. A doctor if you do have a condition that 's preventing you getting. Hemoglobin for red blood cell count means the number of tests to determine how many red blood cell...., people with polycythemia or elevated red blood cells, hematocrit, the plasma or the component! Increase your risk of anemia ca n't be prevented hemoglobin for red blood cell that! Could include what causes high red blood cell count blood cancers can cause many health problems, such as: many types of ca!