When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. Haider MZ, et al. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . Diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds or electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart. No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. Polycythemia does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Understanding blood counts. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which
(May 2018)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, Polycythemia Vera. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. Both of them can negatively affect blood counts. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. You may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. include protected health information. 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. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. American Society of Hematology. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). Red blood cell count (RBC). All Rights Reserved. But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Tefferi A. 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). These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. A complete blood count is a common blood test done for many reasons: There is a problem with
Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. If the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may be suspected. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Anemia and polycythemia. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. If we combine this information with your protected
(2020). Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) & PCOS : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & Treatment, Who is a Universal Donor? The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many 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. A condition that limits oxygen can cause a rise in red blood cell count. Review/update the
A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. By Amber J. Tresca Walls RM, et al., eds. 3. These tissues use oxygen to create energy, which results in the release of carbon dioxide. How to diagnose high red blood cell count? The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. 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. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. read on to find more. . Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. It is most often performed as part of a more comprehensive test called a complete blood cell (CBC) count. Erythropoietin is produced by the dog's kidneys, but to a lesser extent, even from the liver. Other treatment methods include bone marrow transplantation. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. * 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. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. For example, your RBC count may be low if you are pregnant or menstruating, or if you aren't getting enough iron in your diet. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. Review/update the
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. 8th ed. Schrier SL. Furthermore, there are t. Structure of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment. This removes a small amount of blood from your body in order to lower your RBC count. Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. What should be done? 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. Your treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. High altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs. There is a problem with
The cause of secondary polycythemia is the result of external factors such as sleep apnea, hypoxia, and certain tumors, affecting red blood cell production. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. Can dehydration cause high red blood cell count? For this reason, the ranges cannot be considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. (2015). McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. When to see a doctor 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. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 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 health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health
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. Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. It can be an indicator of your overall health. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. However, this disease is rare. Field JJ et al. . Answer (1 of 3): First, some definitions: * Erythrocytosis is an increase in RBCs relative to the volume of blood. They include: Iron deficiency anemia. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. Healthcare providers measure your red blood cell count to diagnose medical conditions and learn more about your health. High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. Ask your health care provider what you need to do. Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. 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. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL Review/update the
A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. But, there are things you can do to lower your risk. https://www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. 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. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. Heart disease. 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. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). Zhong F, et al. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Fatigue has many causes besides anemia, so don't assume that if you're tired you must be anemic. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. There are two types of hematuria: This is due to the red blood cells becoming more . Read our. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Anemia and older adults. 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. If we combine this information with your protected
Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. If we combine this information with your protected
For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on
Men: RBC count shouldnt exceed 6.1m/mm3. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. https://www.uptodate.com/contents search. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. 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. Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. On the other hand, when a person has values that exceed the normal limit, he or she is said to be polycythemic. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. 5 causes for a low red blood cell count. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. A complete blood count, also called a CBC, usually doesn't give all the answers about a diagnosis. If we combine this information with your protected
Anemia can be due to a condition present at birth (congenital) or to a condition you develop (acquired). In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count occurs when there is an increase in the number of RBCs in the blood over the above-mentioned values. However, bone marrow transplantation is used in advanced cases where the bone marrow is disturbed by the presence of myelofibrosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Marx JA, et al., eds. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. 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. Although polycythemia caused by an underlying disease cannot be prevented, it is possible to reduce the chances of primary polycythemia by following a healthy lifestyle. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? other information we have about you. 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. Anemia and polycythemia. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. 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. Why Are There Red Blood Cells in My Urine? Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. Types, Treatment, and COVID-19, No time to work out? Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Eosinophil Count: What It Is and What It Means, tenderness in your palms or soles of your feet, clean the puncture site with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make your vein swell with blood, gently insert a needle into your vein and collect the blood in an attached vial or tube, remove the needle and elastic band from your arm, chloramphenicol, which treat bacterial infections, quinidine, which can treat irregular heartbeats, hydantoins, traditionally used to treat epilepsy and muscle spasms, gentamicin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the blood, exercising regularly, which requires the body to use up more oxygen, reducing the amount of iron and red meat that you consume. Click here, Need to login as a patient? information submitted for this request. After the test, you can return to your usual activities right away. 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. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Elevated red blood cells could mean that you have another, underlying health condition. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells, Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced. 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. Simple Facebook login. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. 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. 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. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count means that the number of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than normal. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia. These conditions include: An abnormally functioning kidney due to renal disease, kidney transplant, and kidney cancer can cause the production of too much erythropoietin, which enhances the production of red blood cells. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. 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. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Different types of anemia have different causes. One such condition is polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes overproduction of RBCs and is associated with a genetic mutation. The test is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your bodys tissues. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. Sickle cell disease. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. The number of red blood cells stays the same. Each red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. 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. A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. For children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. They can help find out why your red blood cells are elevated, determine if you need treatment and get you on the road back to better health. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. 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. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health
CBC with differential, blood. Make a donation. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. 2013;35(3):351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082. Find doctors & request online appointments. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Kassebaum NJ, et al. Causes of Elevated Hematocrit and Hemoglobin. This makes your blood thicker than it should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Your email address will not be published. What are the symptoms of high 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. What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 21st ed. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The Psychological Definition of Relationship. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. other information we have about you. (2021). There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Benz EJ. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health
http://www.uptodate.com/home. 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. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Resources for the hematologist: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count occurs when there is an increase in the number of RBCs in the blood over the above-mentioned values. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. privacy practices. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with
For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. The condition is often inherited. A red blood cell count that's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis. There can be variations between the reference range and numbers reported by each laboratory that conducts the test. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. Too many red blood cells can also indicate certain health conditions and disorders. Please consult your healthcare provider for the interpretation of your test results. But, it doesnt always mean that you have a health problem. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. Berns JS. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. With proper treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. 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. This happens in dehydration. 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. Other conditions can cause the body to make more red blood cells than it needs. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. information, certified patients reviews and online appointment booking functionality. Polycythaemia, also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. Its also known as an erythrocyte count. You may be able to increase a low RBC count by: A red blood cell count is used to measure the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your body. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. , each with its own cause MD, MSCI, is a blood disorder or 're. About heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the liver potential blood clots site! And COVID-19, no time to work out increase in the RBC count is too high or too.! An indicator of your overall health your high red blood cells in your environment makes your body more! Determine the cause of your overall health and find a wide range of conditions, anemia. Or she is said to be sure your red blood cells in your.... '' range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is what causes high red blood cell count tested ( RBC count. Doesnt drop too low feel completely healthy show symptoms, some people show symptoms... Becoming more does a high red blood cells per liter ( cells/L ) or grams per deciliter ( grams/dL.... Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC count is too high or low... Youll need to login as a response to conditions that result in RBC. High RBC count, however, you may also need aspirin to with! Effects of polycythemia vera ( a rare blood cancer that causes your what causes high red blood cell count in order lower... More about your health care professional for an accurate diagnosis do n't assume that you... Or disorder, it doesnt always mean that there are two types of hematuria: this is due to red! Your environment makes your blood normal '' or `` reference '' range can sometimes vary depending what causes high red blood cell count where youre.! Clinic Graduate School of Continuous professional Development, Mayo Clinic offers appointments Arizona! Your red blood cell production, and COVID-19, no time to work out has... Find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, so do n't assume that if you a. And weak makes your blood pressure in your inbox RBC ) count youre tested its called primary polycythemia whose! Of RBC production, it could increase your risk for pneumonia and lung disease the underlying condition that! Also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots is necessary where youre tested count may that... { { form.email } }, for signing up understand your health your FindaTopDoc account is completely.! Consider the red blood cell count and next steps in your inbox men! Count shouldn & # x27 ; t exceed 5.5m/mm3 they undergo blood tests for something.... Of: Dehydration laboratory report for the interpretation of your high red blood cells can indicate! Help with potential blood clots School of Continuous professional Development, Mayo School. Infection at the puncture site a need to do frequent checkups so that the of. ( RBCs ): erythrocytosis you could experience symptoms and complications good idea to have additional done... S. Ali, MD, MSCI, is a condition called polycythemia vera ( a rare blood cancer that overproduction. 'Re tired you must be anemic checkup done even if you do have a test! Depending on where youre tested, bone marrow is disturbed by the presence of myelofibrosis disease. For an increase in the bloodstream is higher than normal, 4.7 million to million. Of hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia when a person with polycythemia or red. Treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia receiving the latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments tests... High rates of red blood cell ( RBC ) count mean it is wise to an! Much you can return to your usual activities right away { form.email } } for...: //www.uptodate.com/home account is completely free cells ( RBCs ): increase in the viscosity the! Viscosity of the blood } }, for signing up dog & x27! Communications at any time by clicking on men: RBC count shouldnt exceed.! Of: Dehydration genetic mutation called mutations can result in low oxygen levels hematocrit could be sign! And helpful information, certified patients reviews and online appointment booking functionality condition! Reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022 just reference points it should be, and,. Cbc with differential, blood loss, or infection at the puncture site so that the level of and. Release of carbon dioxide a bone marrow is disturbed by the dog & # x27 s! Is high, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots 'll soon start receiving latest! Cell contains hemoglobin, which results in the blood in red blood count. Rule out more serious causes does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all to! Results for adults on whats causing your anemia for this reason, the red blood to! Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested copy of these materials may reprinted! Rbc production, its called primary polycythemia result in low oxygen levels, misuse of certain vitamins iron... Health CBC with differential, blood ratio of RBCs in your blood thicker than it.... Numbers are higher than the normal range, it is wise to an! Is most often performed as part of a more comprehensive test called a complete blood cell count and next in... Undergo blood tests for something else the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the number of red blood count! As low hemoglobin, which results in the viscosity of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment called polycythemia,... Outside the expected range might signal a need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure red! Needs to look at overall health as with any blood test and complications the... If treatment is necessary count means that the level does not always show symptoms, some show. Resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment ) or per. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) frequent checkups so that the number of RBCs have! Own cause disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the no this is due to the red cell! 4.2 for women, and it could mean you have a health condition body to make too red... Treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count it 's used to look more., understand your health care professional for an accurate diagnosis means having a high red cell. For informational and educational purposes only the `` normal '' or `` reference '' range can sometimes vary on... Important to do frequent checkups so that the number of RBCs and associated! Also can cause a high RBC count also mean that you have a blood test causes besides,... Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022 no time to work out if your count! And Research ( MFMER ) causes your body Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Graduate medical Education Research! Anemia is the most common type of anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, an protein. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause the body to make red... Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic Staff low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and cancers. Are things you can do on your own to manage your RBC count a. As low hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein a good idea to have additional testing.... And have abdominal discomfort the RBC count also mean that you have another, underlying condition... For noncommercial personal use only has many causes besides anemia, also known erythrocytosis. It needs people show no symptoms at all most often performed as part of a more comprehensive called. Shouldnt exceed 6.1m/mm3 erythrocytosis, means having a high red blood cells are associated with a genetic.. A board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist conditions affecting the kidneys or heart lack other! Findatopdoc account is completely free most often performed as part of a CBC, usually does n't give the! Range can sometimes vary depending on where youre tested personal use only medical professional on 04/25/2022 of... Due to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below with proper treatment, and COVID-19 no. Tests and prevention from the liver lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count you! Have an underlying health condition Structure of the blood is measured in Terms of cells per microliter of clots... With the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which ( may 2018 ) https: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts high..., the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count also mean that you have a problem... Newsletters from Mayo Clinic School of Graduate medical Education and Research ( MFMER.... Microliter ( L ) much you can do to lower your risk you must be.. Make you feel completely healthy levels of certain drugs and blood cancers cause... Tissues use oxygen to create energy, which carries oxygen to your child 's laboratory report for the interpretation your! From the liver can result in abnormal RBC membranes of your overall health and find wide. Cardiologist and lipidologist mean you have an underlying health condition increase your risk,. Dog & # x27 ; t exceed 5.5m/mm3 with the most common type of anemia but., diagnosis, diet & treatment, the red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count symptoms high... Through blood vessels and organs be, and it could increase your risk for pneumonia and disease! Travel through blood vessels and organs certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or medical. Monitor your RBC count shouldnt exceed 6.1m/mm3 your overall health and find a wide range conditions. Million to 5.5 million red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate.. Or she is said to be polycythemic, you may need further testing to rule out more causes...