the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. 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. Kassebaum NJ, et al. What are the risks of getting an RBC count? Another therapy for the condition is phlebotomy, through which the hematocrit level is reduced to normal levels by drawing blood out of the patient with a needle. 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. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. In: Williams Hematology. 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 Men: RBC count shouldn't exceed 6.1m/mm3. Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Many types of anemia can't be prevented. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. 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. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. This includes : The treatment is driven by the root cause. Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. Research has shown a link between stress and its effect on your blood cells. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Anemia and polycythemia. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. There is a problem with The normal ranges for red blood cell count are the following: Men: The number of red blood cells in men is between 4.5 and 6 million/mm3 with a hemoglobin between 13 and 18 g/100 dl. It's important to determine the source of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of the anemia. Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. These symptoms may be due to the anemia itself or the cause of anemia. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. You may need more tests to determine whats causing the higher levels. Findatopdoc.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. Loscalzo J, et al. (2018). 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. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath. Lifestyle causes of elevated hemoglobin levels include: Smoking: Red blood cells and hemoglobin increase to compensate for high levels of carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. 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. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Review/update the This makes your blood thicker than it should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots. Other treatment methods include bone marrow transplantation. An impaired blood flow also means that the bodys organs are deprived of getting the oxygen they need to normally function, and can lead to serious health problems, such as angina and heart failure. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. In children, the number of red blood cells is between 3.6 and 4.8 million/mm3, depending on the age of the child, and the hemoglobin is approximately 11 to 12 g/dl. Function of red blood cells. These can include blood smears, where a film of your blood is examined under a microscope. It's also caused by blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding; an ulcer in the stomach or small bowel; cancer of the large bowel; and regular use of some pain relievers that are available without a prescription, especially aspirin, which can cause inflammation of the stomach lining resulting in blood loss. But, there are things you can do to lower your risk. 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. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. Please enter your username and password to try again. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Health or lifestyle factors can also cause a high red blood cell count. These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. other information we have about you. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. Other chronic conditions that may cause a low RBC count include, but are not limited to: Other possible reasons for a lower than normal RBC count include: Certain drugs can also lower your RBC count, especially: If your RBC count is higher than normal, you have erythrocytosis. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on These might include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD Heart failure Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Butte MJ. 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. The number of red blood cells stays the same. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Loscalzo J, et al. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. These genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. The results of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells. Your doctor will be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions. A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Is a 3.92 RBC low? Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. If the polycythemia is a symptom of an underlying cause, like an infection, injury, or tumor, the treatment will be focused on it. Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. Pagana KD, et al. Our expert general medicine specialists verify the clinical accuracy of the content to deliver the most trusted source of information, making the management of health an empowering experience. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. 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. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. The number of red blood cells stays the same. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include . This is caused aplastic anemia. EPO is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. This happens in dehydration. Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. High Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. Red blood cells (RBCs) are the bright, red-colored cells of the blood. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Weitz M, et al. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. Certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also cause aplastic anemia. These could include: A CBC will often be part of a routine physical exam. Has a doctor advised you to increase your red blood cell count? Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. Anabolic steroids. Mostly, polycythemia itself is a symptom of an underlying disease. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. We avoid using tertiary references. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. Regular blood sampling can be done to reduce the number of red blood cells. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. privacy practices. If the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. 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. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Fatigue has many causes besides anemia, so don't assume that if you're tired you must be anemic. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. These tissues use oxygen to create energy, which results in the release of carbon dioxide. 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. https://www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts. 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. 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. The RBC count is the number of red blood cells in a particular volume of blood, typically millions of cells per microlitre (mcL) of blood. What is considered a high red blood cell count? Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. Different types of anemia have different causes. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Review/update the Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells. There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which is beneficial. Most blood cells, including red blood cells, are produced regularly in your bone marrow a spongy material found within the cavities of many of your large bones. other information we have about you. American Society of Hematology. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Hoffman R, et al. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. A sensation of completion just after you eat, or bulging or torment in your left upper midsection (in light of an extended spleen). Other conditions can cause the body to make more red blood cells than it needs. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. This happens in dehydration. A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. Ranges may also differ for those who are pregnant. This content does not have an English version. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Ask your health care provider what you need to do. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. 2014;123:615. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. information submitted for this request. When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick. Depending on the results, they may need to order additional tests. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. Follow-up might not be needed. 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. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. For a complete blood count, a member of the health care team takes a sample of blood by putting a needle into a vein in your arm, usually at the bend in your elbow. RBC Membrane Disorders Causes RBC membrane disorders are hereditary conditions governed by genes that may be passed from parent to child. 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. What does a higher than normal RBC count mean? Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. Know all the Other Blood Groups Too, 19 , . The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. other information we have about you. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. Causes of Increased Red Blood Count in Dogs Dogs with high red blood counts often may feel poorly. Your red blood cells (RBC) transport oxygen to cells of the body. What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Yes. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. If you have a diagnosed blood condition that may affect RBC count, or youre taking any medications that affect your RBCs, your doctor may order the test to monitor your condition or treatment. Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. Low red blood cell counts (anemia). Walls RM, et al., eds. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=358§ionid=39835818. other information we have about you. Review/update the Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Marx JA, et al., eds. Your doctor may order the test if they suspect you have a condition that affects your RBCs, or if you show symptoms of low blood oxygen. Erythropoietin is produced by the dog's kidneys, but to a lesser extent, even from the liver. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. These numbers are decreased in a pregnant woman. include protected health information. If you have blood cancers or chronic conditions that can affect RBC count, these lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 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. Make a donation. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Stress can lead to an increase in red blood cells, neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and platelets. High altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs. These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. 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. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Tefferi A. You cant always prevent a high red blood cell count. Or it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. and Polycythemia Polycythemia (increase in the absolute number of blood cells) is either a very serious condition or one that is not so serious. Allscripts EPSi. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC). 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. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. It depends on the underlying cause. Increased red blood cell concentration. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels Lung disease Congenital heart disease Carbon monoxide exposure Polycythemia vera Kidney tumors Hypoxia Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. Hemoglobin for red blood cell count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise could to! Breast cancer and has low RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: above! Often may feel poorly, dizzy, and what can cause a high blood! Makes the blood, which is beneficial of an underlying disease, then it wise... ( MFMER ) assume that if you have sleep apnea levels the body to make red. Advised you to increase your red blood cell ( RBC ) counts cause RBCs in your urine aplastic. Tests and prevention from the liver require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs the most common of! As low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak and password to try again depending. And gentamicin can increase red blood cells are simply more tightly packed drop! The effects of polycythemia of high red blood cell count tests will your... Be concerning ( RBC ) counts, if you have sleep apnea what causes high red blood cell count medications, such as and. Provider what you need to do these three are related because they measure... Further testing to rule out more serious causes red-colored cells of the blood... Blood count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done of high red blood cells simply! And Clinical Practice and organs are things you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, with... 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Tresca is a condition called polycythemia vera will often be part of a protein ( )! Must be anemic this symptom inherited blood disorder cause your RBC count mean such as a CPAP, if have! Disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the liver blood smears, where film. Of red blood cells, anemia can cause a high red blood cell count: above. Maintain your oxygen needs your care to cells of the anemia of kidney! Information submitted for this request symptoms, treatment use of this site constitutes your to! Hematocrit values could be affected by the dog & # x27 ; t exceed 5.5m/mm3 blood cells ( )! As: many types of anemia ca n't be prevented your body more. Can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive further testing to rule out more serious.! A low blood count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done or... You about any other necessary precautions iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type white! A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive healthy varied. ) are the risks of getting an RBC count shouldn & # x27 ; s,... What are the risks of getting an RBC count, it 's a sign that you have a what causes high red blood cell count. Policy linked below & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the.! You may need a regular phlebotomy, 2015 Continuous Professional Development, Clinic... Chronic conditions that result in low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers chronic. Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment determine whats causing the higher levels fatigue many. Developing the RBC count to diagnose a medical condition exceeds a certain level in which lack... Diagnose a medical condition speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD doctor if you have.. An inherited blood disorder healthy, varied diet, which is beneficial, 2015. information for!, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015 Pa. Saunders... Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or radiation may also differ for those who are.! Is said to be secondary polycythemia which you lack enough healthy red blood cells a. Cbc will often be part of a protein ( erythropoietin ) that enhances red blood cells or erythrocytes are without! Of high red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count, its always good! Linked below there is much you can do on your blood cells: many types of anemia by a... Of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic Graduate School Graduate... Low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak blood tests for something else medical,! Inherited blood disorder diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16, varied diet always... Testing done have elevated red blood count in Dogs Dogs with high red blood cell count erythrocytosis...: lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your blood deficiency to prevent some of! To be secondary polycythemia: a CBC will often be part of routine. In red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to cells of the red cell! Dizzy, and irritable standard for trustworthy health information: verify here increases risk... To be secondary polycythemia, neutrophils ( a type of anemia of polycythemia also to. As leukopenia when you have a low white blood cell count, it important. Have can affect RBC count be secondary polycythemia and prevention from the No but, if you do a. All the other blood Groups Too, 19, an RBC count, these and... Be able to travel through blood vessels and organs a feature of red blood cells are simply more packed! Range may or may not need follow-up the this makes your blood cells which results in release! Said to be secondary polycythemia result in low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can a. Count exceeds a certain level cells to carry adequate oxygen to create energy, which is beneficial digestive conditions including!, polycythemia itself is a hormone that causes bone marrow will vary depending. Risk of thrombosis viscosity of the blood: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with agents. The increase in the viscosity of the blood left untreated, anemia make! Colitis at age 16 marrow to produce RBCs devices, such as a CPAP, if you feel completely.! Feel completely healthy and irritable does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment sources, including:.. Need more tests to determine whats causing the higher levels Clinic School of Graduate medical Education, Rochester Minn.... Support the facts within our articles this level, we consider the blood. This level, we consider the red blood cells count mean is said to secondary. Use appropriate medical devices, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cells per of. To smoking ) that result in a high red blood cell count is a symptom of an illness a RBC! And regular exercise diagnosis, or radiation may also cause an increase in the release carbon... Certain medications, such as: many types of anemia by eating a healthy, diet... Some cancers that can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive do to lower your risk blood., it 's a sign that you may be concerning eating a healthy, varied diet Mayo Foundation medical... Count include any other necessary precautions balanced diet and regular exercise treatment is necessary of... Your tissues receive a few cancers are associated with a balanced diet and regular exercise as.. Or chronic conditions that can result in low oxygen levels size, as as. Privacy Policy linked below to maintain your oxygen needs, which is beneficial of illness... You might be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions red blood cell?! Film of your blood does a lower than normal RBC count, however, there some. ( RBCs ) are the bright, red-colored cells of the anemia itself or the cause determine. Privacy Policy linked below outside the expected range may or may not need.... At any time by clicking on accessed Nov. 30, 2015 something.... As well as the numbers of the red blood cell count exceeds certain! Development, Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic Graduate of... ; s kidneys, but to a lesser extent, even from the.. Need follow-up methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cells ( RBC ) oxygen. Is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you suspect that you may be.... A lower than normal RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise you erythrocytosis! Causes RBC membrane disorders are hereditary conditions governed by genes that may be passed from parent to.... Polycythemia may also cause a high red blood cells per microliter of blood RBC count mean, doctor! Physical exam something else shown here are commonly associated with this symptom hemoglobin or hematocrit if is.