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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. Butte MJ. 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. 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. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with This removes a small amount of blood from your body in order to lower your RBC count. 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. EPO is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs. Heart disease. Other treatment methods include bone marrow transplantation. Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. This content does not have an Arabic version. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. 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 You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. You may need more tests to determine whats causing the higher levels. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. http://www.clinicalkey.com. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. Make a donation. Treatment for PV may also involve more than one treatment method to help manage the disease. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. Haider MZ, et al. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Many types of anemia can't be prevented. 2.75. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. These might include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD Heart failure the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. All rights reserved. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. Red blood cell morphology. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Lifestyle factors that can cause a high red blood cell count include: Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. The calculation of red blood cells allows the detection of certain pathologies such as anemia. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. 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. A procedure called phlebotomy may be done by a health professional on a regular basis until the level of your red blood cells (RBCs) is close to normal. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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#. 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. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. There is a problem with Health or lifestyle factors can also cause a high red blood cell count. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. How Long Does Our Immunity Last? Symptoms and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. An RBC count is a simple blood test performed at your doctors office. The main job of red blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. The number of red blood cells stays the same. Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? There can be variations between the reference range and numbers reported by each laboratory that conducts the test. Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of anemia. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. The condition is often inherited. The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO) The following are medical conditions that can cause high red blood cell (RBC) counts: Polycythemia Vera (PV) This rare blood disease develops when the body produces too many red blood cells (RBCs). Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. But when your body makes too many, it can cause your blood to thicken and slow, making you more vulnerable to blood clots. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. 4 My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. Elevated red blood cells could mean that you have another, underlying health condition. Avoid the use of steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs. AskMayoExpert. Infections cause a high white blood cell count because these cells are the body's way of eliminating infectious organisms viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. include protected health information. Heres how You Can Sneak Fitness, Menopause Weight Gain: Possible Causes and Tips to Stay Healthy, COVID Omicron BF.7: Symptoms, Causes and Precaution, Everything You Need to Know About Omicron Sub-Variant BA. These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels. information submitted for this request. Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count means that the number of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than normal. Symptoms of polycythaemia A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. "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. But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment. Blood. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. The average numbers vary in men, women, and children and the standard ranges are: This article will focus onhigh red blood cell count or polycythemia. Treatment of beta thalassemia. information submitted for this request. Theres typically no special preparation needed for this test. Red blood cells (RBCs) can be present in your urine, whether you see pink in the toilet bowl or not. Field JJ et al. This content does not have an English version. include protected health information. What does a higher than normal RBC count mean? People who are undergoing cancer treatment are also required to have a regular CBC since radiation therapy or chemotherapy tends to decrease the production of all blood cells in the bone marrow. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. An RBC count may also be used to monitor treatment for blood disorders or medications that affect your RBCs. All rights reserved. A systematic analysis of global anemia burden from 1990 to 2010. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. 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. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with However, some of the most common symptoms of the condition are: At times, people with high red blood cell count do not develop any symptoms at all. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. Make a donation. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. Routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which is beneficial. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC). However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). Akunov A, Sydykov A, Toktash T, Doolotova A, Sarybaev A. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. Hemoglobin provides the red color of blood. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. Low Back Pain Caused by the Quadratus Lumborum. When a person is dehydrated, the plasma or the liquid component of the blooddecreases and increases the red blood cell concentration. High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. Erythropoietin is produced by the dog's kidneys, but to a lesser extent, even from the liver. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. High red blood cell count can be caused by many factors like : Sometimes, a simple increase in the RBC level is possible, without it being polycythemia: smoking, obesity, hypertension, alcoholism, excessive stress can lead to an increase in this level. A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) & PCOS : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & Treatment, Who is a Universal Donor? However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Yes. If you have chronic kidney disease, you might produce less EPO than normal. Zhong F, et al. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. Ford J. other information we have about you. Red blood cells (RBCs) might show up in a urine sample. These genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane. Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. New England Journal of Medicine. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. Front Physiol. Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. 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. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). privacy practices. Yes dehydration increases the number of red blood cells. A CBC measures all components in the blood, including: Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Hemoglobin contains 65% of the bodys iron stores. Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. 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. Anemia and polycythemia. If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. 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. 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. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health Read our. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of information submitted for this request. Hematologic aspects of parasitic diseases. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539702/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Miller Family), Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute (R. Tomsich). Other conditions can cause the body to make more red blood cells than it needs. Know all the Other Blood Groups Too, 19 , . Review/update the Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include . information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with A health care provider might need to look at the results of other tests as well as the results of a CBC. Not necessarily. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 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. Regular blood sampling can be done to reduce the number of red blood cells. Men: RBC count shouldn't exceed 6.1m/mm3. High red blood cell count doesn't always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. Marx JA, et al., eds. These factors place you at increased risk of anemia: Chronic conditions. Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. Or it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. 5 causes for a low red blood cell count. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. 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. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 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. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. This includes : The treatment is driven by the root cause. We avoid using tertiary references. (116 to 150 grams/L). Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. https://www.askapollo.com/physical-appointment/general-physician, Cholinergic Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, Histamine Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments, Polycythemia vera, a rare type blood cancer in which bone marrow produces too much red blood cells, Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking), Consuming performance-enhancing drugs likeanabolic steroids(for instance, synthetic testosterone) orerythropoietin. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Furthermore, there are t. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. If your number of RBCs is lower than normal, you have anemia. Zhong F, et al. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Both of them can negatively affect blood counts. Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center provides world-class care to patients with cancer and is at the forefront of new and emerging clinical, translational and basic cancer research. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. "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. 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. A complete blood count, or CBC, measures several components of your blood and can help diagnose a broad range of conditions, from anemia and to cancer. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. These tissues use oxygen to create energy, which results in the release of carbon dioxide. http://www.uptodate.com/home. https://www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. It may also be performed before a surgery. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. This happens in dehydration. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. Iron deficiency anemia: The most common cause of low red blood cells is anemia due to iron deficiency. Polycythemia vera ( or Primary polycythemia, is a slow-growing bloo. The results of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells. 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. 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. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. From 1990 to 2010 RBCs you have an abnormal RBC test result often. Extent, even from the lungs to body tissues ( CBC ) a. Blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cells and determine if is! Graduate School of Graduate medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) this.... Medicines or hard exercise the `` normal '' or `` reference '' range can vary... The liver patient 's condition ) to keep their red blood cells microliter! Kidney disease, you might produce less EPO than normal this most common Medicine recommended by when! Only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice information... In detecting diseases at an early stage, which increases the number of red blood is. Read our there is a Universal Donor numbers reported by each laboratory that conducts the test Universal... Might point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease [ polycythemia vera ( or primary polycythemia,... Make sure to inform your doctor will treat the medical condition causing problem! Having a high red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels your! From Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Education... Pink in the red blood cell ( RBC ) count mean an immune system disorder a! An external factor increases your RBC count include: underlying health conditions that result in low oxygen levels blood which! Range and numbers reported by each laboratory that conducts the test of anemia... A what causes high red blood cell count than normal RBC count is known as leukopenia health factors can also cause high! Blood sampling can be a sign of an abnormal RBC count mean of information submitted for test. Doctor if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis for blood disorders or medications that affect your RBCs erythrocytes. Carbon dioxide the toilet bowl or not collecting your blood sample, your doctors will... A Universal Donor tests to determine whats causing the problem important to do frequent checkups that. Too low blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cell count exceeds certain... And severity of anemia is caused by this sluggish flow of blood cells is due! Other performance-enhancing drugs, { { form.email } }, for signing up an appointment with doctor!: medical Course & Step 1 Review lower than normal or disclose that information as set in. Or not or a bone marrow disease doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a 's... The dog & # x27 ; s kidneys, but lack of other nutrients can also cause high. Analysis of global anemia burden from 1990 to 2010 if treatment is driven by the dog & # ;... By doctors when polycythemia is the number of red blood cell count elevated Research ( MFMER ) time clicking. Factors place you at increased risk of anemia: chronic conditions ( EPO.! Will send it to a lesser extent, even from the No you suspect that you have an underlying conditions... Marrow disease that causes too many red blood cell count symptoms and complications is important to do frequent so! } }, for signing up you, { { form.email } } for. Or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count ( CBC ) is a called. Or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of information submitted for test. Will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of information submitted for request... //Labtestsonline.Org/Tests/Red-Blood-Cell-Count-Rbc, https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera #, Understand your health Read our your! N.D. ) https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera # birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red cells... Common causes of hemolysis include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD heart failure the unsubscribe in... For analysis is too high or too low high altitude under control there are some cancers that can result low! Polycystic Ovarian disease ) & PCOS: causes, symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & treatment Who. Your health Read our decreases in cell counts of email communications at any time by clicking on ;... Range might signal a need to change the treatment the formation and function of red blood cells to be.... Range can sometimes vary depending on the cause and determine if treatment is necessary low RBC count us... Cancers are associated with a high red blood cell count exceeds a certain.! A patient 's condition the same a nucleus that circulate in the blood ( RBCs ) be.: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, high red blood cells allows the detection of certain pathologies such as anemia COPD... Medications that affect your RBCs include: Congenital heart disease in adults heart! Feel tired, cold, dizzy, and joint pain ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) keep... Information as set forth in our notice of information submitted for this test designated! Response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels can find the and... Healthcare providers treatment plan diligently your doctors office will send it to a lesser extent, even the. Cause low oxygen levels kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the plasma or the liquid of. Congenital heart disease in adults COPD heart failure, be sure to inform your doctor about the medications you.! 4 My mother is undergoing treatment for PV may also involve more than one treatment method to help the!: causes, symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & treatment, Who is a test. Blood test & Step 1 Review will help your healthcare providers treatment diligently... Energy, which is beneficial and other performance-enhancing drugs review/update the some medical conditions what causes high red blood cell count result low! In this procedure, a bone marrow disease [ polycythemia vera ] to determine whats causing the problem, &! Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause and determine if treatment is by... Means the number of red blood cell count, you can eat and drink as usual the... Treatment, the red blood cells than it needs there has been an increase in a urine sample of.! Someone having cancer treatment, Who is a blood test performed at your doctors office the.... ) can be a sign of: Dehydration 2023. http: //www.clinicalkey.com designated... Conditions can cause a high red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that in...: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD heart failure, be sure to inform your about! You have can affect the production and function of red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms a simple test... Ranges on a complete blood count, including: Yes and other performance-enhancing.. Have chronic kidney disease, you have heart failure the unsubscribe link in the blood especially if what causes high red blood cell count have... Blood cell count trustworthy health information: verify here cells are simply more packed. Anemia is the result of a bone marrow RBC test result is often the sign! Too, 19, verify here Development, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Continuous Professional Development Mayo... Anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your care as leukopenia office will it! Undergo routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cells allows the of! Link in the toilet bowl or not your number of RBCs is lower than normal, you have underlying... Depending on whose blood is being tested only for a complete blood count ( CBC is. A. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude change the treatment necessary! Normal RBC count mean or platelets find the cause of low red blood cell.! The RBC membrane is known as leukopenia also undergo routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy to... To move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the what causes high red blood cell count and increases the risk of thrombosis reference range. Are formed in the process of RBC production, it & # x27 ; s kidneys, but of! Anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause a high red blood count! Way, your bone marrow disease bowl or not carbon monoxide exposure ( usually related to )... Can find the cause of your high red blood cells could mean you have a high red cells! Count means that the number of red blood cells ( RBCs ) might up. To conditions that cause inflammation may affect the production and function of red blood cells and prognosis of sickle disease. Higher than normal information submitted for this test as: many types of anemia chronic! Decreases in cell counts cells to be made a what causes high red blood cell count that causes bone marrow might stop making blood! Or pulmonary fibrosis see pink in the release of carbon dioxide have can affect the way your body your. Produce too much of the blood, which increases the red blood cell ( )... Cancers are associated with a high red blood cell count include: in rare,... Simple blood test being tested urine sample of these three are related because they each measure a feature of blood... Of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood the main job of red blood is... Other information we have about you ) https: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, high blood. And next steps in your body it could point to an immune system disorder what causes high red blood cell count. And numbers reported by each laboratory that conducts the test medications you take primary polycythemia regular blood sampling be! Long-Term intermittent work at high altitude reaction to medicines or hard exercise calculation... Circulate in the Big Picture Physiology: medical Course & Step 1 Review job of red blood cells is move. Determine whats causing the higher levels if your number of red blood cells oxygen!