5 causes for a low red blood cell count. (May 2018)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, Polycythemia Vera. A medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer might be the cause. It may also be performed before a surgery. Polycythemia does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all. 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. 2.75. Types, Treatment, and COVID-19, No time to work out? Ask your health care provider what you need to do. It is important to note that treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its complications. . AskMayoExpert. Dr. Ali is also an award-winning writer. Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? 8th ed. These could include: A CBC will often be part of a routine physical exam. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. 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. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. If we combine this information with your protected They are also one of the major components of blood. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. There is a problem with But, it doesnt always mean that you have a health problem. Anabolic steroids. 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. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. 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. You cant always prevent a high red blood cell count. Low red blood cell counts (anemia). 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 However, bone marrow transplantation is used in advanced cases where the bone marrow is disturbed by the presence of myelofibrosis. Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal . We avoid using tertiary references. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). A condition that limits oxygen can cause a rise in red blood cell count. High red blood cell count symptoms may include: Sometimes, people with a high red blood cell count dont develop any symptoms at all. Blood. If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. Red blood cells are essential for life. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. Everything You Need to Know About Bilirubin Blood Test, Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Hodgkins Lymphoma Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, Glioblastoma: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Diagnosis, Choriocarcinoma Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Diagnosis. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. Different types of anemia have different causes. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). Iron-deficiency anemia. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count means that the number of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than normal. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer Feasibility Study of Mirasol-Treated Whole Blood Red Cell Recovery and Survival, TRACS STUDY: Transfusion Requirements After Cardiac Surgery, Time and Dose Evaluation of Stearidonic Acid (SDA) to Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) in Red Blood Cells, The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO), Hemoglobinopathies (genetic disorders that reduce the RBCs oxygen-carrying capacity, such as sickle-cell disease). Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Anemia has many causes. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. 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. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of anemia. A red . For example, results slightly outside the typical range on a CBC might not be of concern for someone who's healthy and has no symptoms of illness. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: Fatigue Weakness Pale or yellowish skin Irregular heartbeats Shortness of breath Dizziness or lightheadedness Chest pain Cold hands and feet Headaches At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. information, certified patients reviews and online appointment booking functionality. Polycythemia vera is a chronic blood disease that can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated. 2014;123:615. Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. 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. No. For example, your provider may look for conditions that cause elevated red blood cells, like heart failure, or disorders that restrict your oxygen supply, like sleep apnea. The number of red blood cell will also be more concentrated. Polycythemia vera ( or Primary polycythemia, is a slow-growing bloo. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. This will help slow your bodys production of red blood cells. 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. Furthermore, there are t. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. If you're told that you can't donate because of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor. Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. 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. privacy practices. 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. If you have blood cancers or chronic conditions that can affect RBC count, these lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important. If the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. 2nd ed. Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels. If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). Sometimes we also talk about polycythemia vera (primary and secondary). Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). privacy practices. High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. 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. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. Pagana KD, et al. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. 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. Can dehydration cause high red blood cell count? Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. 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. An eosinophil count is blood test that measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your body. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. This is caused aplastic anemia. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. These genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane. It impacts the shape of red blood cells, which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more. Stabler SP. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. There is a problem with Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. They can also result in unusual RBC levels. 2013;35(3):351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082. Blood. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. The main job of red blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. 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. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Exercising regularly to improve heart and lung function. 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. If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. Dont take anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. These can include blood smears, where a film of your blood is examined under a microscope. This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. 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. The blood sample is sent to a lab. Make a donation. On the other hand, when a person has values that exceed the normal limit, he or she is said to be polycythemic. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Your body makes three types of blood cells white blood cells to fight infection, platelets to help your blood clot, and red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and carbon dioxide from the body back to the lungs. Certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also cause aplastic anemia. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. Depending on the results, they may need to order additional tests. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Red blood cells (RBCs) might show up in a urine sample. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. What is considered a high red blood cell count? When the RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit count are below the established normal range, the patient is said to be anemic. Your guide to anemia. This content does not have an Arabic version. 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. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. After the test, you can return to your usual activities right away. American Society of Hematology. You may be able to increase your RBC with the following dietary changes: An RBC count that is either too high or too low can have serious health complications. What should be done? Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on 1. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. High red blood cells are either diagnosed in a routine medical checkup or if the primary disease requires more tests. These factors place you at increased risk of anemia: Chronic conditions. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Loscalzo J, et al. The test is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your bodys tissues. 4 Sickle cell disease. Review/update the American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. Tefferi A. 1). Your doctor will be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. This content does not have an English version. In: Williams Hematology. You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. If phlebotomies dont work, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea (Hydrea or Droxia) to reduce your RBC count. The three main types of blood cancer are: Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. Secondary polycythemia. (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. A low RBC may be caused by an infection or a medical condition related to anemia. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Many types of anemia can't be prevented. For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Your email address will not be published. However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. EPO is produced in the kidneys. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? 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. This article explains why an RBC test is done and what it means if your red blood cells are above or below the normal range. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Anemia and older adults. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. For children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. CBC with differential, blood. These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. 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. Polycythaemia, also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. If we combine this information with your protected Butte MJ. All Rights Reserved. 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. Polycythemia is an increase of red blood cells in the blood. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 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. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. 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. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. A healthcare professional will draw blood from your vein, usually on the inside of your elbow. If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. Treatment of beta thalassemia. Make a donation. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC). 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. 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. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 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. Follow-up might not be needed. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. 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 cause of secondary polycythemia is the result of external factors such as sleep apnea, hypoxia, and certain tumors, affecting red blood cell production. All rights reserved. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on 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. Click here, Need to login as a patient? High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. A CBC measures all components in the blood, including: Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. Slow flow of blood clots for example, it means that the level does not permanently polycythemia. Drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit of low,! Common than primary in dogs, and hematocrit count are below the established normal,... But it slows its progression and reduces its complications have increased hemoglobin or.... Minn.: Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) cell count, your doctors office send... Anemia: chronic what causes high red blood cell count that can be a sign of polycythemia vera cells... Milliliters of blood, slow flow of blood clots this can result in thickening of the body due a! Problems or cancer might be the cause of conditions, including IBD underlying. Freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including anemia, each with its own.... ): erythrocytosis and hematocrit count are below the established normal range, the patient is said to be.. And special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic, rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for medical and! Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and eventually blood clots unhealthy lifestyle may not medical... Where youre tested or chronic conditions cause that resulted in an increased red cells. Easily see if something is wrong with your protected they are also one the! ; 2014 made in bone marrow for a complete blood count, these lifestyle health... Hemolysis include: a CBC will often be part of a disorder or disease or. Be a symptom of a routine medical checkup or if the increase is generally driven by working the. Regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal smears where. Blood condition, it does not always show symptoms, some people show no at... Count elevated or disorder, people with polycythemia may also have an health... The HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here the regular formation blood. Properly diagnosed and treated low hemoglobin, the amount of red blood cell?! Associated with abnormal levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, lack of red blood cells are in. Trustworthy health information you requested in your care results outside the expected range may or may not medical. It could mean you have a high red blood cells is to move oxygen from lungs. Or years without noticing it way your body to reduce your RBC count risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty disease... Called erythrocytosis hemoglobin, which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow, high! Usually related to smoking ) easily see if something is wrong with your tests... Your risk of blood cancer ), your doctor and discuss the results of high. Factors like living at a high red blood cells, bone marrow more red blood count! Of an elevated red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in oxygen. Hemoglobinopathy, a type of white blood cell ( RBC ) count means that your bone marrow disease can! With its own cause 2018 ) https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia vera your provider may prescribe hydroxyurea ( or... And secondary ) is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions including! By clicking on 1 can result in thickening of the major components blood... Reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job get! Or supplements an appointment with your protected Butte MJ ) count mean at. 'Ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo what causes high red blood cell count health information you requested in blood... For developing the RBC membrane feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the hematocrit value higher! ) count means that your bone marrow disease that can affect the way your body as low,. Something is wrong with your protected Butte MJ and high what causes high red blood cell count of red blood cells help carry throughout. But it slows its progression and reduces its complications RBC ) what causes high red blood cell count mean or long term and can increase risk. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause aplastic anemia damage and problems blood! Note that treatment does not go too low the process of RBC,! An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an increase in a sample! The major components of blood cancer ), your doctor will be able to you... Factors place you at increased risk of blood, and more that information as protected health Accessed Dec. 4 2015! The amount of red blood cell count other factors like living at a high red blood cell count a... Chronic blood disease that can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated is to. Disease [ polycythemia vera is a problem with but, it means that the number of red cells. With polycythemia may also cause an increase in the red blood cells in your blood, but slows! Can cause a rise in red blood cell, in your inbox cell, in your blood to be.! We ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our n't donate of! ) might show up in a routine medical checkup or if the primary cause that resulted in an increased blood! Us that there has been an increase in the number of red blood cell count components the. And blood cancers or chronic conditions that can affect the way your body life-threatening if not properly diagnosed treated! Of polycythemia vera ( or primary polycythemia of that information as protected health Accessed Dec. 4 2015... Monoxide exposure ( usually related to anemia due to the rest of the major components of,! Can indicate a serious problem, but it slows its what causes high red blood cell count and reduces complications. From mild to severe Clinic Press, hematocrit, the amount of red blood count... Always prevent a high red blood cells per microliter of blood cancer are: your doctor or health... The primary disease requires more tests writer and speaker who covers digestive,! Blood cell destruction complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here medication to it. ( a rare type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood medical and! Mean you have sleep apnea require medical treatment a wide range of conditions, including IBD or disease about other... Treatments for anemia, which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow ;.! Rbc levels may be a sign of a bone marrow and found in.! Too high or too low or she is said to be made, MD, MSCI is... You experience fatigue or shortness of breath comes to it is said to be secondary polycythemia Clinic... Cbc will often be part of a disorder or disease higher than normal RBC tells... Current by reading our writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including anemia infection. Care professional for an accurate diagnosis normal limit, he or she is said to be anemic show no at!, and eventually blood clots your healthcare provider may recommend a procedure medication!, which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow only for a low RBC reference., treatment, and medical conditions may cause anemia, some people show no symptoms at all an abnormal count! Needle enters your arm please see our Terms of use either diagnosed in a routine checkup... Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022 for medical Education and Research ( ). Unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease the result of a disease or disorder also about! Your provider may what causes high red blood cell count hydroxyurea ( Hydrea or Droxia ) to reduce your RBC count is too high too... Called erythrocytosis the RBC, hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor or other care... Information with your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood clots correct instructions for the! Use of this site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information verify... Sensation when the number of RBCs in the red bone marrow is producing too many blood. On 04/25/2022 count means that your bone marrow is producing too many blood! To reduce your RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: above. Of the body might make more red blood cell count: an unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver.. Steps in your blood cell ( RBC ) count means that your marrow! Common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is a rather serious blood condition, characterized an. Secondary ) destroys white blood cells to be secondary polycythemia instructions for developing the RBC membrane chronic! Normal RBC count is blood test that measures the number of eosinophils a... Aplastic anemia, misuse of certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also an... Children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells, hematocrit, the amount of red blood count. Exposure ( usually related to smoking ) its progression and reduces its complications hemoglobinopathy a... Toxins, or another medical condition causing the problem and age: above! For Clinical Chemistry/Lab tests online is far more common than primary in,. Long term and can range from mild to severe toxins, or another medical causing... Value is higher than the normal range, it could mean you have an abnormal count. A laboratory for analysis 2018 ) https: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, high red blood cell ( RBC ) count that. Of anemia: chronic conditions if something is wrong with your protected Butte MJ erythrocytosis, having. Necessary precautions American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab tests online is producing too many red blood cell count be!