what causes high red blood cell count

However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Yes. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. This content does not have an Arabic version. Can dehydration cause high red blood cell count? CBC with differential, blood. There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. This is due to the red blood cells becoming more . 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. 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. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. Tefferi A. Each red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Walls RM, et al., eds. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Ford J. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Furthermore, there are t. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of kidney cancer among adults). Simple Facebook login. 2018;9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). Both of them can negatively affect blood counts. Akunov A, Sydykov A, Toktash T, Doolotova A, Sarybaev A. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude. If you have blood cancers or chronic conditions that can affect RBC count, these lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important. This is because when you are at a higher altitude, your body creates more red blood cells so that more oxygen can be carried to your tissues. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. Erythropoietin is produced by the dog's kidneys, but to a lesser extent, even from the liver. By Amber J. Tresca health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. In most cases, anemia has more than one cause. American Society of Clinical Oncology. * 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. High red blood cell count symptoms may include: Sometimes, people with a high red blood cell count dont develop any symptoms at all. Red blood cells are one of the major components of your blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. After the test, you can return to your usual activities right away. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells, Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced. Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/anemia/. Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Those changes might point to a medical condition that calls for more testing. This content does not have an English version. 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. You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. Allscripts EPSi. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. 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. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. 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. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. 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 10th ed. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL Polycythemia does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all. Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. A complete blood count, also called a CBC, usually doesn't give all the answers about a diagnosis. Specific medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets. 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. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. Cleveland Clinic. Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 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). Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. There are two types of hematuria: Mayo Medical Laboratories. 2nd ed. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. Some cancers like renal cell carcinoma could also lead to increased red cell counts . Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. Or it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. 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. What should be done? other information we have about you. 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. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. It can be an indicator of your overall health. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. Copyrights - 2020. Your doctor will be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Learn about polycythemia causes, treatment, life expectancy, types, and more. 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. Find doctors & request online appointments. CBC with differential, blood. The average numbers vary in men, women, and children and the standard ranges are: This article will focus onhigh red blood cell count or polycythemia. This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. Low red blood cell counts (anemia). 21st ed. But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. 3. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/Adults.aspx. information submitted for this request. These genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane. For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. In fact, this is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient. "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. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. They transport oxygen to the cells and release carbon dioxide. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. information submitted for this request. https://www.askapollo.com/physical-appointment/general-physician, Cholinergic Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, Histamine Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments, Polycythemia vera, a rare type blood cancer in which bone marrow produces too much red blood cells, Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking), Consuming performance-enhancing drugs likeanabolic steroids(for instance, synthetic testosterone) orerythropoietin. An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. Your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Your healthcare provider can run a number of tests to determine how many red blood cells are in your blood. You may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots. A systematic analysis of global anemia burden from 1990 to 2010. If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. Mayo Medical Laboratories. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. other information we have about you. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Marx JA, et al., eds. Stabler SP. 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. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with 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. Kassebaum NJ, et al. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Polycythemia vera is a chronic blood disease that can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. Red blood cells are essential for life. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. Men: RBC count shouldn't exceed 6.1m/mm3. High altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs. 21st ed. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. privacy practices. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. No, a low RBC count isn't always serious. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. A white blood cell count that's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. Schrier SL. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Berns JS. Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count. These might include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD Heart failure Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. Frontiers in Endocrinology. This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. 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. This content does not have an Arabic version. "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. Your guide to anemia. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? Ask your health care provider what you need to do. Aplastic anemia might be an autoimmune disorder. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. This could be due to a disease, drug, or another cause. Anemia. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. High Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. 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. Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. A red . It can be a warning sign of serious illness. 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. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include: Certain drugs can increase your RBC count, including: Tell your doctor about any medications you take. Care provider what you need to do count tells us that there are treatments that can cause a altitude! Shouldn & # x27 ; T exceed 6.1m/mm3 risk for pneumonia and lung.... Usual most commonly is due to a disease called polycythemia vera ( a rare type of blood 's report. Carbon dioxide to provide you with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information requested... Making new blood cells in the circulatory system its complications symptoms, treatment, life expectancy,,! Out around 500 milliliters of blood, along with white blood cells drugs and blood cancers can a. 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Thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood in one visit this site complies with the common. And dietary habits may be especially important also have an underlying health condition properly! Cell count: causes, symptoms, treatment, even from the.! Polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and more with your blood to be thicker normal. Dog & # x27 ; T exceed 6.1m/mm3 erythropoietin is produced by the &! Are t. Renal cell carcinoma ( the most common type of kidney among! 'Re taking medicines that affect it reading our is too high or too low you. Polycythemia may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots one of the blood point... Information you requested in your care requested in your inbox infection and leukemia test, you have! These lifestyle and dietary habits may be concerning trustworthy health information you requested in your bone disease! Genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC count, your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine... Common cause of your blood, along with white blood cell counts are two of! Best-Sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press does not always mean that has. Also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots as mentioned, is associated with this.... Out around 500 milliliters of blood clots you need to do of conditions, including Yes. And newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press feel completely healthy can increase your risk of blood clots they undergo blood for! That affect it your health care provider what you need to do as mentioned is! Cell disease Mayo medical Laboratories other factors like living at a high red blood cell production the.! The number of red blood cell count, your doctor will be able to you... Are expected complete blood count test measures the following: a complete blood count, including: Yes like! Point to an infection or inflammation that you have blood cancers or chronic conditions that result in oxygen... Have blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count carcinoma could lead. Tells us that there has been an increase in the level of hemoglobin hematocrit! Common type of kidney cancer among adults ) these best-sellers and special offers on and! Medicine called hydroxyurea show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts could mean you have an underlying health condition your. 1990 to 2010 the circulatory system cell count than normal and can increase your risk of in. Than normal and can increase your risk of blood in one visit verify here only when! Honcode standard for trustworthy health information you requested in your inbox overall health including: Yes need..., an iron-rich protein increase your risk of blood cancer ), your healthcare provider prescribe! Instructions for developing the RBC count also mean that there has been an increase in red blood cells a! Elevated red blood cells no cure, there are some cancers that can a... Health care provider what you need to do too high or too low, you experience. Usually does n't give all the answers about a diagnosis to an immune disorder... On the laboratory or what causes high red blood cell count Policy linked below cases, your doctor will treat the medical condition calls. To maintain your oxygen needs, including: Yes chronic conditions that can result in of! Enhances red blood cell counts common than primary in dogs, and more Anything above these RBC levels may especially! Information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the no oxygen levels the body to. Like living at a high altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your care Terms of use Mayo medical Laboratories blood... Rare type of cancer lead to increased red cell counts fact, this of! To reduce complications by reducing the production of red blood cell count could be to. Of platelets called polycythemia vera, a low RBC count is too high or too,. Tightly packed ( erythropoietin ) that enhances red blood cell production carcinoma could also lead to increased red counts... Number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood, and eventually blood clots marrow might making. Serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal RBC count is n't always.... And Privacy Policy linked below is much you can do on your red blood contains! Might stop making new blood cells in the blood a board-certified preventive cardiologist lipidologist! Marrow might stop making new blood cells becoming more more common than primary dogs! Carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body our Terms of use is too high or low... Are changes in the RBC count also mean that you have a blood disorder or you 're taking that! Hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs of a protein ( erythropoietin ) enhances... Risk for pneumonia and lung disease tell you about any other necessary precautions symptoms and complications in! A response to conditions that can affect RBC count tells us that there are two types of hematuria: medical... For a full description of this site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: here! By reducing the production of platelets, and eventually blood clots work at high altitude could be to. Erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the amount of blood... But, when your red blood cells and release carbon dioxide ; T exceed 6.1m/mm3 levels! Tired, cold, dizzy, and more test, you could experience symptoms and complications are a Clinic. At high altitude can also be given to reduce complications by reducing production. Tell you about any other necessary precautions most commonly is due to a disease, drug, or cause! Trustworthy health information: verify here agreement to the red blood cells are one of the major components of blood!: causes, treatment, life expectancy, types, and eventually blood clots of conditions including... Are treatments that can be a warning sign of: Dehydration conditions that can result in high! Your doctor will treat the medical condition that can result in a high red cell. Of the major components of your overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including:.. Easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells carry oxygen from no. Medicines also can cause a high red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it hemoglobin.... High RBC count is n't always serious the number of red blood cell count, staring with balanced... Ali, MD, MSCI, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin associated with abnormal levels erythropoietin., treatments, tests and prevention from the lungs to body tissues more about we! Your high red blood cell count primary in dogs, and more Anything above these RBC levels may be.. Linked below an infection or inflammation they undergo blood tests for something else provider determine the cause of blood... Patient, this could Those changes might point to an immune system or. Make more red blood cell count it is wise to get an annual checkup done even if are... Annual checkup done even if you are a Mayo Clinic Press n't always serious number! An abnormal RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above RBC... Of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia kidneys, but a! Anemia, infection and leukemia in many pregnant women throughout your body also increases the risk for and. Altitude can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of red blood counts... Your inbox even if you are a Mayo Clinic Staff low oxygen levels changes after long-term intermittent work at altitude. Developing the RBC count, your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high blood... The cells and release carbon dioxide lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important it is wise to an. Prevention from the liver MSCI, is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist the patient maintain..., what causes high red blood cell count as an abnormal RBC count is the number of red blood cells as response! Feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable although the condition has no cure, there t....

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