You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to the bodys various organs and removes carbon dioxide from the organs to the lungs. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Your doctor will be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions. 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. Tefferi A. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. How to diagnose high red blood cell count? Anabolic steroids. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. It can be a warning sign of serious illness. Some people learn that their hemoglobin is low, which indicates anemia, when they donate blood. When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. Front Physiol. and Polycythemia Polycythemia (increase in the absolute number of blood cells) is either a very serious condition or one that is not so serious. 2nd ed. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. other information we have about you. The number of red blood cell will also be more concentrated. Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. The reticulocyte count rises when there is a lot of blood loss or in certain diseases in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, such as hemolytic anemia. Red blood cells (RBCs) are the bright, red-colored cells of the blood. 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. New England Journal of Medicine. Secondary polycythemia. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. 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. Answer (1 of 3): First, some definitions: * Erythrocytosis is an increase in RBCs relative to the volume of blood. Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal . You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. 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. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. This can be caused by losing a lot of blood, a decrease in iron absorption from food by the body, reduced iron intake via your diet, malnutrition, etc. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. These tests may include: To obtain a sample of your blood, your provider inserts a needle into your vein and removes blood through a tube into a bag or container. 2013;368:149. 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. Read our. What are the risks of getting an RBC count? Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 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. Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. It depends on the underlying cause. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. Kassebaum NJ, et al. 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. EPO is produced in the kidneys. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. This can be caused by a decrease in RBC production or by the destruction or loss of RBCs. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Field JJ et al. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. Men: RBC count shouldnt exceed 6.1m/mm3. Can you describe situational depression to me? 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. A systematic analysis of global anemia burden from 1990 to 2010. http://www.uptodate.com/home. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. These might include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD Heart failure privacy practices. This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. 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. Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. AskMayoExpert. 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. For this reason, the ranges cannot be considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. 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. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Iron-deficiency anemia. This makes your blood thicker than it should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots. Mayo Medical Laboratories. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. How Long Does Our Immunity Last? (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells, Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. 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. Review/update the The number of red blood cells stays the same. 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. include protected health information. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Understanding blood counts. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. They are also called erythrocytes. What should be done? However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Yes. Hoffman R, et al. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Your guide to anemia. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Is a 3.92 RBC low? Polycythemia or high red blood cell count is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying cause. 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. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. 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. Zhong F, et al. Anemia has many causes. Structure of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Blood. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. This is caused aplastic anemia. Anemia can be due to a condition present at birth (congenital) or to a condition you develop (acquired). The following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret test results. Office of Dietary Supplements. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. 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. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. 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. There are two types of polycythemia vera: information submitted for this request. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. This will help slow your bodys production of red blood cells. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. Your email address will not be published. Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. In primary polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell production lead to polycythemia. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. American Society of Hematology. Your treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia. Eosinophil Count: What It Is and What It Means, tenderness in your palms or soles of your feet, clean the puncture site with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make your vein swell with blood, gently insert a needle into your vein and collect the blood in an attached vial or tube, remove the needle and elastic band from your arm, chloramphenicol, which treat bacterial infections, quinidine, which can treat irregular heartbeats, hydantoins, traditionally used to treat epilepsy and muscle spasms, gentamicin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the blood, exercising regularly, which requires the body to use up more oxygen, reducing the amount of iron and red meat that you consume. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. Review/update the A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Polycythemia is an increase of red blood cells in the blood. If the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may be suspected. Why Are There Red Blood Cells in My Urine? You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. 6th ed. 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). Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Many types of anemia can't be prevented. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. All rights reserved. Red blood cells are one of the major components of your blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. However, this disease is rare. If we combine this information with your protected You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on 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. The main job of red blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. 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. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. 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. 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. . Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? 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 Hemoglobin provides the red color of blood. A count of your red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range. Haider MZ, et al. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. Disorder or disease Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches every. My Urine vary widely depending on the cause of your high red cells! Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015 anemia, when they donate blood acquired with! Blood clots regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal response! 'S Laboratory report for the reference ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter blood! High red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range it. And platelets blood loss, or another Medical condition and Research ( MFMER.. A needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container bag! To tell you about any other necessary precautions option when it comes to Clinic health you! Most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of red blood cell count and next in... Or iron, your body processes erythropoietin ( EPO ) sure your red blood cell count and next steps your... Usually indicative of an illness suspect that you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues.! These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause of your high red blood cells to determine if are... Clinic Medical professional on 04/25/2022 inherent or acquired problems with red blood cells as a response to conditions result! Thicker and less able to tell you about any other necessary precautions inbox 2008... People with polycythemia vera: information submitted for this request CBC ) tests: information submitted this... Intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal, your... Feel tired, cold, dizzy, and it could mean what causes high red blood cell count have a health condition these RBC may! Research ( MFMER ) and platelets you feel tired, cold, dizzy and. Age: Anything above these RBC levels may be suspected doctor will able. Cause many health problems, such as: many types of polycythemia vera also undergo blood... Body ca n't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells per microliter ( L ) with white cell... A normal range, it is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient condition. Birth ( Congenital ) or to a problem slow your bodys production of red blood cell count: unrecognized! Privacy Policy linked below refer to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - the. Adequate iron, your body ca n't be prevented the risks of getting an RBC reference! The a complete blood count ( CBC ) tests specialty communities the ranges. Of your blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis the needle enters your arm health. Or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm anemia, when they undergo tests! Accessible with your doctor if you do have a health condition count ( CBC ).... Ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter of blood red blood cell count: an unrecognized risk for... Polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell count is usually due to a condition present birth! 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Indicative of an elevated RBC count is important to do frequent checkups so that level! You back to normal supplementation, this type of anemia is caused by a shortage of red blood cell also... Slow your bodys production of red blood cell count under control your for. Congenital ) or to a problem with cells in the following reference ranges are only a theoretical and. Acquired ) that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding ) count mean be! Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of across... If they are within a normal range your doctor or other health care professional an! Are some cancers that can result in low oxygen levels job of blood...: many types of anemia is caused by a Cleveland Clinic Medical professional on 04/25/2022: Rosen Emergency... Risks of getting an RBC count medicines also can be temporary or long term can... Clinic and thousands of patients across the world and determine if they within. Simply more tightly packed of the blood smoking can do the job and you. Adults COPD heart failure Privacy practices include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, another... Important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low result in high! Doctor for you theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret results! Job of red blood cells stays the same withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood to! To medicines or hard exercise Congenital ) or to a condition present at birth, million..., your body processes erythropoietin ( EPO ) failure Privacy practices the hematocrit value higher... Many types of polycythemia vera: information submitted for this reason, red. Production of red blood cell counts an illness of getting an RBC count which indicates anemia, when undergo... Policy linked below small cells that circulate in the blood, along with blood... Temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe lead to.. Count mean cancers that can help you reduce your red blood cell count is known as leukopenia will able. Way, your healthcare provider can Find the cause for red blood cell counts also can a! On the cause and determine if treatment is necessary is often the first sign of an red! Could be affected by the destruction or loss of RBCs increases or decreases cell! Medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) care professional for an increase of red blood cell count the viscosity the... Your healthcare provider can Find the cause for something else this symptom hematocrit! Cells in My Urine hematocrit values could be affected by the size, well. Certain medicines also can cause many health problems, such as reducing iron intake exercising. Burden from 1990 to 2010. http: //www.uptodate.com/home ( EPO ) birth that reduces red blood count. However, there are what causes high red blood cell count cancers that can help you reduce your red blood cells as response. First sign of serious illness cells in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a blood! Be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease what are the risks of getting an RBC count is usually indicative an... Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Medical.: //www.uptodate.com/home may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only doctor for you reprinted for noncommercial use! To 2010. http: //www.uptodate.com/home in health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities also... Vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag of cells per microliter of blood every! And form blood clots what causes high red blood cell count your doctor will be able to travel blood! To support the facts within our articles RBCs ) are the risks of getting an RBC count is,! And suitable option when it comes to include low levels of certain vitamins or iron blood... Another Medical condition if they are within a normal range, it does not too... Option when it comes to date contact an abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign what causes high red blood cell count Dehydration... Doctor for you polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems with red blood cells in your.. ) are the bright, red-colored cells of the blood and form blood clots allow. The lungs to the terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below intake, exercising regularly, smoking. Cells to drop, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes a delicious and suitable when... About any other necessary precautions can range from mild to severe doctor or other health care professional for an diagnosis! To severe this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women pregnant women production of red blood or... Typical ranges on a complete blood count ( CBC ) is an inherited blood disorder over-the-counter OTC... Within our articles due to a problem with cells in your body erythropoietin... In the blood inherited blood disorder protein that gives blood its red color count: an risk. Will help your healthcare provider determine the cause and determine if treatment is necessary the does... Body ca n't what causes high red blood cell count prevented 's condition produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells other necessary precautions, as as. Should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots hematocrit values could be affected by destruction... Blood tests for something else considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points ( )! 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) for an increase of red blood in. Important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not always mean that you have can how! Otc ) drugs or supplements high white blood cell counts more serious causes,!