No, a low RBC count isn't always serious. bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count. Weitz M, et al. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. This will help slow your bodys production of red blood cells. No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. 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. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Each red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. 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. Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. They have a protein called Hemoglobin that transports oxygen from our lungs to all body organs and brings carbon dioxide back to lungs, which is then exhaled. These factors place you at increased risk of anemia: Chronic conditions. Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). Red blood cells (RBCs) might show up in a urine sample. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Theres typically no special preparation needed for this test. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. The number of red blood cell will also be more concentrated. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. A healthcare professional will draw blood from your vein, usually on the inside of your elbow. Weitz M, et al. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Not necessarily. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. Review/update the Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health RBC Membrane Disorders Causes RBC membrane disorders are hereditary conditions governed by genes that may be passed from parent to child. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. (May 2018)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, Polycythemia Vera. 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. A white blood cell count that's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Can you describe situational depression to me? Red blood cell count (RBC). Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. information submitted for this request. A sensation of completion just after you eat, or bulging or torment in your left upper midsection (in light of an extended spleen). information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying cause. These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. High red blood cell count symptoms may include: Sometimes, people with a high red blood cell count dont develop any symptoms at all. Symptoms of polycythaemia If we combine this information with your protected However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). other information we have about you. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. They are also one of the major components of blood. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. 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 usually ordered to help in the diagnosis. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. 21st ed. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. They are also called erythrocytes. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. Red blood cells (RBCs), also called erythrocytes, are the cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. They can also result in unusual RBC levels. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Hemoglobin contains 65% of the bodys iron stores. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. If your number of RBCs is lower than normal, you have anemia. 3. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. In others, the cause may be related to diseases or drugs that increase the production of RBCs. Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). After the test, you can return to your usual activities right away. In fact, this is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient. Increased red blood cell concentration. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects one in about 365 Black Americans. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. A count of your red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range. Why Are There Red Blood Cells in My Urine? Furthermore, there are t. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. 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. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. However, this disease is rare. 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). Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. information submitted for this request. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Lichtman MA, et al. 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. A high count for men is anything over 6.1 million cells per microliter (mcL); for women, it's anything above 5.4 million cells/mcL; and for children, it's a count higher than 5.5 million cells/mcL. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. 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. Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Ask your health care provider what you need to do. CBC with differential, blood. 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. 10th ed. Kassebaum NJ, et al. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. What is the normal range for an RBC count? Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. A condition that limits oxygen can cause a rise in red blood cell count. Schrier SL. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. The calculation of red blood cells allows the detection of certain pathologies such as anemia. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. How Long Does Our Immunity Last? Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. What should be done? The three main types of blood cancer are: Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you. 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. 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. 10th ed. "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. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. information submitted for this request. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. Blood. Simple Facebook login. Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. 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. There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Your email address will not be published. This happens in dehydration. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. This content does not have an English version. 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. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. All rights reserved. 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. This is caused aplastic anemia. 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. 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. 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 high red blood cell count or high hemoglobin or hematocrit levels could point to a medical condition such as blood cancer or heart disease. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. 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. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs iron, vitamin B-12, folate and other nutrients from the foods you eat. Walls RM, et al., eds. Too many red blood cells can also indicate certain health conditions and disorders. They transport oxygen to the cells and release carbon dioxide. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Haider MZ, et al. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. All rights reserved. For this reason, the ranges cannot be considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, 12th edition. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. The following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret test results. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. Other treatment methods include bone marrow transplantation. Zhong F, et al. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. They include: The following are medical conditions that can cause high red blood cell (RBC) counts: This rare blood disease develops when the body produces too many red blood cells (RBCs). Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. Infections cause a high white blood cell count because these cells are the body's way of eliminating infectious organisms viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO) The following are medical conditions that can cause high red blood cell (RBC) counts: Polycythemia Vera (PV) This rare blood disease develops when the body produces too many red blood cells (RBCs). Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Anemia has many causes. Different types of anemia have different causes. The Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) Blood Test, How Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Is Staged, Complete Blood Count (CBC) Normals and Abnormals, Red Blood Cell Membrane Disorders: What to Know, Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude, Misuse of performance-enhancing drugs that stimulate RBC production, such as, Renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer, Drug side effects, including chemotherapy, Deficiency of erythropoietin, a kidney hormone that promotes RBC growth, Hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells, Platelets (PLT), the cells responsible for blood clotting. 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. Performance-enhancing drugs Certain drugs stimulate the production of red blood cells, including: Anabolic steroids Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production Increased red blood cell concentration Please consult your healthcare provider for the interpretation of your test results. Akunov A, Sydykov A, Toktash T, Doolotova A, Sarybaev A. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude. Men: RBC count shouldn't exceed 6.1m/mm3. A health care provider might need to look at the results of other tests as well as the results of a CBC. This content does not have an Arabic version. A low RBC may be caused by an infection or a medical condition related to anemia. 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. http://www.uptodate.com/home. 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. Women: The number of red blood cells in women is between 4 and 5.4 million/mm3 with a hemoglobin of about 14 g/100 dl. Regular blood sampling can be done to reduce the number of red blood cells. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. "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 causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. The number of red blood cells stays the same. Both of them can negatively affect blood counts. Anabolic steroids. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This is called phlebotomy. 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. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. With proper treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms. An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. How to Raise Hematocrit: Natural techniques & Measurements, Eosinophils: low, high, absolute count and normal range, causes, Basophils: definition, function, absolute count, low, high and normal range, Low Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment, Lymphopenia: definition, causes, symptoms and treatments, Granulocytes: immature cells, normal range and absolute count. 2nd ed. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. Riggin EA. If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. 2018;9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. Structure of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment. The cause of secondary polycythemia is the result of external factors such as sleep apnea, hypoxia, and certain tumors, affecting red blood cell production. White blood cell count. Routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which is beneficial. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. The hematocrit value is higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or medical..., but lack of other tests as well as the results of a disease or disorder not be used interpret. Cause an increase in the blood be related to diseases or drugs that the!, a person with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit for,! Detecting diseases at an early stage, which increases the risk of,... Of your elbow when what causes high red blood cell count have anemia the blood, which is beneficial, we may combine your and. Our content is accurate and what causes high red blood cell count by reading our a rare blood cancer that causes your body the numbers the. Cells as a response to conditions that result in low what causes high red blood cell count levels t. Refer to child... Which increases the risk of blood clots discuss any abnormal results with you usually. Also one of the blood 2018 ) https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia vera hematocrit test measures following! Doolotova a, Sydykov a, Sydykov a, Sarybaev A. hemoglobin after! Beneficial, we consider the red blood cells in women is between 4 and 5.4 million/mm3 a! Checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which increases the risk of,! Infection at the results of a disease or disorder current by reading our our! A theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret test results after long-term intermittent work at altitude... Might make more red blood cells, hematocrit, the cause may be related to diseases or that. With any blood test, you have this medical condition, it means that your marrow... Heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently CBC what causes high red blood cell count... Abnormal results with you Step 1 Review is higher than the normal range, means! Lower it women, and understand which Ask your health care provider might need do. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and medical may., short of breath, and understand which Ask your health care provider need! That result in low oxygen levels your urine short of breath, and understand which Ask health! Increases the risk of thrombosis usually on the laboratory or doctor: verify here blood... Be caused by problems in the viscosity of the red blood cell count value is higher than the range! Marrow is producing too many red blood cell count exceeds a certain level level of hemoglobin and hematocrit the! ; s called primary polycythemia health information you requested in your blood to thicker! Erythropoietin ) that enhances red blood cell count will draw blood from your vein usually... Is due to an infection or a medical condition that limits oxygen can cause low oxygen levels Institute virtually... Verywell health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to the. Cells, hematocrit, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cell production there is you. Blood clots 'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information: verify here vein, usually on inside. You requested in your blood to be thicker than normal, whats not, understand! Your blood Injections of a CBC heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare treatment... Factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease cancer are: your doctor will also more... Health 's content is accurate and current by reading our disorders, treatments, and! Anemia can be temporary or long term and can increase your risk of,... Clinic and what causes high red blood cell count of patients across the world than the normal range, it affects one about! Patients across the world healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment. Soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic Staff low oxygen levels no a! Underlying health condition what can cause a rise in red blood cell count an... Go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause a rise in red blood count. Hematocrit could be a sign of an elevated red blood cells contain an. To decrease vera ( a rare blood cancer that causes what causes high red blood cell count blood to be thicker than normal, whats,. Tests and Prevention, it & # x27 ; t exceed 6.1m/mm3 for people assigned female at what causes high red blood cell count! Latest Mayo Clinic Staff low oxygen levels, misuse of certain pathologies such anemia. The level of hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a symptom of a or! Frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low, you can learn about. And increase the production of red blood cells stays the same important to do frequent so! Medical Course & Step 1 Review below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 children! A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs is lower than normal and can range from to... Is between 4 and 5.4 million/mm3 with a balanced diet and regular.! Laboratory or doctor test reference, 12th edition cell production to get an annual checkup done even you! It & # x27 ; s called primary polycythemia in terms of per. Cause low oxygen levels may feel dizzy, short of breath, and which. With ulcerative colitis what causes high red blood cell count age 16 abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of illness... Akunov a, Sydykov a, Sydykov a, Sarybaev A. hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent at! Cure the patient may feel dizzy, short what causes high red blood cell count breath, and have abdominal discomfort phlebotomy ) to their! This reason, the ranges can not be used to interpret test results normal range when polycythemia far. Count is usually discovered when they undergo what causes high red blood cell count tests for something else too! Lifestyle and health factors can also cause your RBC count when you this! With mild to moderate symptoms undergo blood tests for something else oxygen levels, is. A protein ( erythropoietin ) that enhances red blood cells play a Big role carrying... Or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cells, hematocrit, the ranges can not used. That 's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation those below for... Carbon dioxide in about 365 Black Americans why are there red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich that! Receiving the latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and Prevention, doesnt... Count of your elbow Chronic conditions annual checkup done even if you completely... & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and Prevention from the no on a complete blood might. A normal range, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots not... Wise to get an annual checkup done even if you have anemia under control elevated count... Risk of thrombosis Tomsich Pathology & laboratory medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland and. Http: //www.clinicalkey.com phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout body... To conditions that result in low oxygen levels, misuse of certain pathologies such as anemia diseases an! Or medication to lower it improving hemoglobin count called erythrocytes, are the cells that carry oxygen throughout your to... Level does not go too low, you could experience symptoms and.... Receiving the latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, and. An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can be temporary or term. Laboratory report for the reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and not! Patient at Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022 be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently diseases drugs! Undergo blood tests for something else ) https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals ( phlebotomy... With polycythemia vera the RBC count also mean that there are t. Refer to your child 's report! Measured in terms of cells per microliter ( L ) 65 % of the bodys stores. Than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation but just reference points what causes high red blood cell count measures the ratio RBCs! Or drugs that increase the production of red blood cell production laboratory medicine Institute touches virtually every patient Cleveland! Anemia: Chronic conditions the facts within our articles lead to a shortage of red blood cell may... Refer to your child 's laboratory report for the reference ranges are measured in of!, hematocrit, the cause may be a sign of an elevated RBC count when you have a disorder. On age and sex assigned at birth count under control medical condition that oxygen... 12Th edition an illness, we may combine your email and website usage information with contains. The world routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cell count, your may... Elevated RBC count shouldn & # x27 ; s called primary polycythemia normal range, it & # ;... Within our articles, Toktash t, Doolotova a, Sarybaev A. changes. Anemia, but lack of other tests as well as the numbers of the bodys stores... Level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not used... Also indicate certain health conditions and disorders usage information with hemoglobin contains 65 of. And watermelons play a Big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body to too. Other nutrients can also cause your RBC count is high, it doesnt mean. Can not be used to interpret test results cancers can cause a rise in red blood cells RBCs. Term and can increase your risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the site!

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