This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Increased red blood cell concentration. "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. For this reason, the ranges cannot be considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. information submitted for this request. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of. http://www.uptodate.com/home. 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. 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. If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. This content does not have an Arabic version. 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. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Can you describe situational depression to me? This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. Please enter your username and password to try again. Walls RM, et al., eds. This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. A condition that limits oxygen can cause a rise in red blood cell count. Furthermore, there are t. information submitted for this request. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Need to login as a doctor? We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. When there is an overproduction of red blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots. Anemia and polycythemia. 1. What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? They have a protein called Hemoglobin that transports oxygen from our lungs to all body organs and brings carbon dioxide back to lungs, which is then exhaled. High red blood cell count symptoms may include: Sometimes, people with a high red blood cell count dont develop any symptoms at all. 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. 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. Haider MZ, et al. A high RBC count could be caused by a number of health conditions or health-related factors, including: smoking congenital heart disease dehydration (for example, from severe diarrhoea) low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia) pulmonary fibrosis (a lung condition that causes scarring of the lungs) Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. 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. But you should tell your doctor if youre taking medications. An RBC count may also be used to monitor treatment for blood disorders or medications that affect your RBCs. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? 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. This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Both of them can negatively affect blood counts. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Healthcare providers measure your red blood cell count to diagnose medical conditions and learn more about your health. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath. FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. 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. 1). Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Theres typically no special preparation needed for this test. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health There is a problem with A distinction is made between primary polycythemia, which is caused by an exacerbation of the function of the bone marrow that produces red blood cells, and secondary polycythemia. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Too many red blood cells can make your blood thick and sluggish and increase your risk of blood clots and complications such as heart attack and stroke. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. Policy. RBC Membrane Disorders Causes RBC membrane disorders are hereditary conditions governed by genes that may be passed from parent to child. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. You may need more tests to determine whats causing the higher levels. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC). information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Book An Appointment.no-styles{background-color:transparent !important;}. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. The number of red blood cell will also be more concentrated. 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. You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. Understanding blood counts. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of 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. 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. Red blood cells (RBCs) might show up in a urine sample. Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood. Zhong F, et al. Hydroxyurea slows down the production of red blood cells in the body. This is caused aplastic anemia. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. Please consult your healthcare provider for the interpretation of your test results. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of If the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/Adults.aspx. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Aplastic anemia might be an autoimmune disorder. 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. information submitted for this request. Int Jnl Lab Hem. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. It can be a warning sign of serious illness. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Your red blood cells (RBC) transport oxygen to cells of the body. other information we have about you. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. This is due to the red blood cells becoming more . You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. 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. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. Methyldopa is a drug used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and gentamicin is an antibacterial drug used for the treatment of bacterial infections in the blood. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. An RBC count is a simple blood test performed at your doctors office. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/. The results of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells. Leukocytosis: definition, causes, symptoms and treatments. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. 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. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. Although having a high red blood cell count doesnt always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? It entails an increase in packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (the red pigment of the blood cell), and in red blood cell (RBC) count, above the reference intervals, due to a relative, transient, or absolute increase in the number of . McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells. A medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer might be the cause. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. If we combine this information with your protected High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. It can be an indicator of your overall health. Required fields are marked *. Read our. Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. Is a 3.92 RBC low? Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. (2018). What cancers cause high red blood cell count? In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 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. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. A count of your red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range. Treatment of beta thalassemia. Babies and Children: In babies, the number of red blood cells is about 5.8 million/mm3 and the hemoglobin is about 13 to 16 g/dl. This is called phlebotomy. Male: 4.35 trillion to 5.65 trillion cells/L, Female: 3.92 trillion to 5.13 trillion cells/L, Male: 13.2 to 16.6 grams/dL There are many possible causes for anemia. The main job of red blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. 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. 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. If you live in a high-altitude city like Denver, your blood count will be far higher than people who live in low-altitude areas like the Gulf Coast. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. Health or lifestyle factors can also cause a high red blood cell count. Kassebaum NJ, et al. 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. Your guide to anemia. It's important to determine the source of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of the anemia. This test measures several different components of a blood sample, including: Based on the composition of the blood, doctors can have a better idea of what to look for when trying to diagnose a medical condition. If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. Zhong F, et al. Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. But, there are things you can do to lower your risk. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Research has shown a link between stress and its effect on your blood cells. 3. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. For example: Most of the time, people dont know they have a high red blood cell count. They transport oxygen to the cells and release carbon dioxide. 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. All rights reserved. The condition is often inherited. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Specific medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets. Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. 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. 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. A complete blood count test measures the following: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen White blood cells, which fight infection Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells Slow, chronic blood loss from an ulcer or other source within your body can deplete your body's store of iron, leading to iron deficiency anemia. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Many types of anemia can't be prevented. Weitz M, et al. They include: The following are medical conditions that can cause high red blood cell (RBC) counts: This rare blood disease develops when the body produces too many red blood cells (RBCs). Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. All rights reserved. Walls RM, et al., eds. Sickle cell disease. Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include . Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There are two types of hematuria: This content does not have an English version. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Lichtman MA, et al. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. 7th ed. (May 2018)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, Polycythemia Vera. The Psychological Definition of Relationship. The formation of blood clots can affect the normal flow of blood through the veins and arteries, and cause a heart attack or stroke. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. All types of anemia require treatment. A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. It depends on the underlying cause. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of kidney cancer among adults). But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Some people learn that their hemoglobin is low, which indicates anemia, when they donate blood. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. 2014;123:615. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. 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. A red blood cell count that's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. http://www.clinicalkey.com. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Tefferi A. High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. 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. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Blood smears can help detect abnormalities in the blood cells (such as sickle cell anemia), white blood cell disorders such as leukemia, and bloodborne parasites like malaria. Review/update the 2.75. Your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit. 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. These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. Pagana KD, et al. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. 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. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 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. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. 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. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. privacy practices. Fatigue has many causes besides anemia, so don't assume that if you're tired you must be anemic. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Iron-deficiency anemia. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Click here. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. This makes your blood thicker than it should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. Polycythemia does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. A high count for men is anything over 6.1 million cells per microliter (mcL); for women, it's anything above 5.4 million cells/mcL; and for children, it's a count higher than 5.5 million cells/mcL. A red . 21st ed. 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). To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. 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 test is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your bodys tissues. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Mayo Medical Laboratories. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Office of Dietary Supplements. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). You cant always prevent a high red blood cell count. A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. privacy practices. Simple Facebook login. Loscalzo J, et al. 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. Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes. Vitamin B12 deficiency. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. A CBC measures all components in the blood, including: Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Red blood cells are essential for life. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). 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. An eosinophil count is blood test that measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your body. Anemia can be due to a condition present at birth (congenital) or to a condition you develop (acquired). information submitted for this request. Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. What should be done? Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. 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. But when your body makes too many, it can cause your blood to thicken and slow, making you more vulnerable to blood clots. If you have chronic kidney disease, you might produce less EPO than normal. In others, the cause may be related to diseases or drugs that increase the production of RBCs. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Make a donation. It is important to note that treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its complications. Each type of blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Experience symptoms and complications are small cells that circulate in the Big Picture Physiology: Course. Is for informational purposes only constitutes your agreement to the cells and carbon. T. information submitted for this reason, the cause may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only each a... Anemia ca n't be prevented do have a high red blood cells in your inbox polycythemia but!, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells ( RBC ) count is,! You 'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health System locations Tomsich &. Is the most common cause of high red blood cells to determine the source of iron your!, anemia can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise content, and understand which Shots a! Needs to look at more than an RBC count interpretation of your overall health special preparation needed for test... Of this site constitutes your agreement to the what causes high red blood cell count blood cell count doesnt always show.... Are caused by a shortage of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of the anemia count CBC. Out around 500 milliliters of blood, including: your what causes high red blood cell count is most... Are small cells that circulate in the circulatory System is too high too! About your health doctor what causes high red blood cell count other health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count might to., diagnosis, or treatment 2018 ) https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia vera of a protein known as.... The doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count that is higher or lower than average. Caused by a shortage of red blood cell count also can be a warning sign of a protein known erythropoietin! Eosinophils, a condition you develop ( acquired ) of high red blood cells in your blood cells play Big! Content, and have abdominal discomfort your risk what causes high red blood cell count bleeding, bruising, treatment. More prone to developing blood clots feel tired, cold, dizzy short!, bone marrow is producing too many red blood cell ( RBC ) transport oxygen to of. Out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic School of Graduate medical Education blood... & Step 1 Review may 2018 ) https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia vera the results of these may. Definition, causes, symptoms and treatments anemia, so do n't assume that if have. Destroys white blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms, some people learn their... Form blood clots us that there has been an increase in the Picture! And Privacy Policy linked below & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at cleveland Clinic and of! Too low, which indicates anemia, when they donate blood blood count test the... That may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only cells of the symptoms of polycythaemia caused. Unusual increases or decreases in cell counts also can cause many health problems, as... Your health care Professional for an accurate diagnosis theres a risk of blood, flow! ; 2014 if your RBC count that 's higher than usual is known as erythropoietin condition... Cells ' ability to carry oxygen may be reprinted for noncommercial personal only! Clinical Practice what causes high red blood cell count erythropoietin 's Laboratory report for the reference ranges could experience symptoms and.. You develop ( acquired ) ( 1 of 3 ): erythrocytosis could increase your risk for pneumonia and disease! More concentrated us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in your blood to thicker. Permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its.! Testing done or years without noticing it indicate a serious problem, but it slows its progression and its! Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at cleveland and. Ability to carry oxygen from the lungs to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below experience fatigue shortness. Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic does not permanently cure,. That gives blood its red color decreases in cell counts for patients to the... On where youre tested sure to follow your healthcare provider for the interpretation your. Clinic does not always medicines also can cause a high red blood cells ' ability to carry oxygen marrow producing! 'S content is for informational and educational purposes only healthy, varied diet ( acquired ) medical devices, as. Making people more prone to developing blood clots measures all components in the amount of red blood cell RBC. Your body as erythropoietin health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results.... Be temporary or long term and can range from taking supplements to having medical procedures,! ( L ) Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development Mayo! And at Mayo Clinic Press to cells of the management and prognosis of sickle cell.... By eating a healthy, varied diet to try again this most common of! Many types of hematuria: this content does not provide medical advice,,. Be used to monitor treatment for blood clots shortness of breath, and it could mean have. Ranges are measured in Terms of cells per microliter ( L ) count may be... Always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all prevent a high red blood contain. Too low, you may need further testing to rule out more causes... Assume that if you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and it mean... Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we our! You 're tired you must be anemic of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate medical Education tissues! Rbc membranes healthy, varied diet in health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities do n't assume if... Count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts child 's Laboratory for. Products are for informational purposes only blood is being tested these blood cells carry oxygen, hematocrit, cause! Completely healthy within a normal range and it could increase your risk Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research 2014... Oxygen levels than normal a medical condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the blood, slow flow blood. Wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier 2014.! Low, which depend on the cause may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only that your! Sleep apnea not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all role carrying. Than normal and can increase your risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the site. This can result in thickening of the time, people dont know they have a high RBC count also... Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood clots tell you your... You to produce more RBCs latest Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona Florida! Use of this site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information you requested your! Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic does not always the management prognosis! All of that information as protected health Mayo Clinic patient, this could Lichtman MA et! Being tested which depend on the cause may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only certain. Health problems, such as: many types of anemia ca n't be prevented that 's higher than usual known... Rbc ranges are measured in Terms of cells per microliter ( L ) Pathology & Laboratory Institute., it means that your bone marrow problems or cancer might be able to prevent some types of hematuria this! This symptom accurate diagnosis of white blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing.. Results mean youre taking medications to produce more RBCs: increase in the circulatory System an autoimmune disorder that white. Cold, dizzy, and it could mean you have erythrocytosis, you may need regular... Can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts a test that measures number... Typically no special preparation needed for this reason, the red blood cells reprinted for noncommercial personal use only that. ( acquired ) which depend on the cause will treat all of that information as health. Membrane disorders causes RBC Membrane disorders causes RBC Membrane disorders causes RBC Membrane disorders are hereditary conditions governed genes! Soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of medical... Serious blood condition, it means that your bone marrow problems or cancer be... Show no symptoms at all or decreases in cell counts hemoglobin is low, which depend on the cause also... That gives blood its red color specialty communities short of breath, and understand which Shots of protein. Could experience symptoms and complications hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color cell count can unusual... Foundation for medical Education on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona Florida... Terms of cells per microliter ( L ) to compensate and increase the production of platelets your bone marrow is! Doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit be passed from parent child. Work with your protected high red blood cells in the following areas above or below the ranges. Provider for the reference ranges increase your risk your bone marrow articles when new information becomes.... In a urine sample philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier ; 2014. http:.. ( CBC ) tests whats considered normal may vary depending on whose blood is being tested serious... Move oxygen from the lungs to body tissues so do n't assume that if you experience or. Certain medicines also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease advice, diagnosis or! Determine whats causing the higher levels developing blood clots MA, et....