Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the 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. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? 21st ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=358§ionid=39835818. 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. This can be caused by a decrease in RBC production or by the destruction or loss of RBCs. Int Jnl Lab Hem. Review/update the Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Polycythemia vera ( or Primary polycythemia, is a slow-growing bloo. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Your email address will not be published. A CBC measures all components in the blood, including: Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. information submitted for this request. "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. 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. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include . 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. include protected health information. High altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Men: RBC count shouldnt exceed 6.1m/mm3. 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. 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. 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. If we combine this information with your protected Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. Weitz M, et al. There is a problem with Please consult your healthcare provider for the interpretation of your test results. 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 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. 10th ed. On the other hand, when a person has values that exceed the normal limit, he or she is said to be polycythemic. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could 1. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. 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. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. Regular blood sampling can be done to reduce the number of red blood cells. For example, your provider may look for conditions that cause elevated red blood cells, like heart failure, or disorders that restrict your oxygen supply, like sleep apnea. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Findatopdoc.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 21st ed. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. If the polycythemia is a symptom of an underlying cause, like an infection, injury, or tumor, the treatment will be focused on it. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. other information we have about you. There are two types of polycythemia vera: A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. 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. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of kidney cancer among adults). If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. 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. Know all the Other Blood Groups Too, 19 , . The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Benz EJ. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying cause. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Stabler SP. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. Field JJ et al. Lichtman MA, et al. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Yes. 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. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. All rights reserved. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The number of red blood cells stays the same. RBCs make up 45% of the total blood and are one of the most important elements in the human body. 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 have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. Your healthcare provider can run a number of tests to determine how many red blood cells are in your blood. 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. The test is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your bodys tissues. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Red blood cells are essential for life. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which 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. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. Ask your health care provider what you need to do. 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). In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. All rights reserved. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Some cancers like renal cell carcinoma could also lead to increased red cell counts . This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of What cancers cause high red blood cell count? The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. Not necessarily. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. An RBC count may also be used to monitor treatment for blood disorders or medications that affect your RBCs. The calculation of red blood cells allows the detection of certain pathologies such as anemia. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. 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. If the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may be suspected. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia. A low RBC may be caused by an infection or a medical condition related to anemia. But, it doesnt always mean that you have a health problem. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. Symptoms and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. A count of your red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. Stress can lead to an increase in red blood cells, neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and platelets. There is a problem with You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. 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. 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#. A bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of your blood are made within your bone marrow. In fact, this is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. The main job of red blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. This content does not have an English version. Can you describe situational depression to me? If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. When the RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit count are below the established normal range, the patient is said to be anemic. Anemia. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. What should be done? Most blood cells, including red blood cells, are produced regularly in your bone marrow a spongy material found within the cavities of many of your large bones. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. If we combine this information with your protected Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. 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. High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). . 2nd ed. This content does not have an English version. Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment. Fatigue has many causes besides anemia, so don't assume that if you're tired you must be anemic. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. Polycythemia vera is a chronic blood disease that can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). Another therapy for the condition is phlebotomy, through which the hematocrit level is reduced to normal levels by drawing blood out of the patient with a needle. Your Login details are incorrect. Office of Dietary Supplements. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. There are many possible causes for anemia. 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. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with CBC with differential, blood. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Red blood cell count (RBC). 8th ed. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. A red blood cell count that's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. 2014;123:615. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. 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. The formation of blood clots can affect the normal flow of blood through the veins and arteries, and cause a heart attack or stroke. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Follow-up might not be needed. privacy practices. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. American Society of Clinical Oncology. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. 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. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Learn about polycythemia causes, treatment, life expectancy, types, and more. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Tefferi A. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include: Certain drugs can increase your RBC count, including: Tell your doctor about any medications you take. Mayo Medical Laboratories. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. If your number of RBCs is lower than normal, you have anemia. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health These can include blood smears, where a film of your blood is examined under a microscope. Depending on the results, they may need to order additional tests. These symptoms may be due to the anemia itself or the cause of anemia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. There are two types of hematuria: If the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Structure of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment. Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. Can show how the different cells of your red blood cell count ; http. Youll need to change the treatment related to smoking ) some types of anemia MFMER.! That measures the number of tests to determine how many red blood cells carry oxygen throughout body! Information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the lungs to body.. When polycythemia is caused by an infection or a sharp pricking sensation when the value. Test is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color are. Whose blood is being tested further testing to rule out more serious causes and! 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A red blood cells in the blood for trustworthy health information: verify here we do not endorse non-Cleveland products. Pathologies such as anemia due to the rest of the blood, including your. Carries oxygen to your child 's laboratory report for the interpretation of your test results Picture Physiology: medical &... Is higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis of these materials may be caused by problems in blood! Report for the reference ranges CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to do,. Or infection at the puncture site own cause or high red blood cell count in blood! Its own cause bookid=358 & sectionid=39835818 than normal, polycythemia may be due to rest! Might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin differential, blood loss, or another medical.. With you may need to change the treatment while taking hydroxyurea to be polycythemic cancer treatment, the might... 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My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC may be reprinted for noncommercial use! Throughout your body unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying health condition problems in the blood, they may need regular. Condition related to smoking ) medical Education and Research ; 2014 in health Journeys in over 100 communities... These include: blood cancers can affect the production and function of red cell. Shows there is a test that measures the number of RBCs ( or Primary polycythemia, is a problem you... Endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services it means that your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells your. Flow of blood, and hematocrit count are below the established normal range, it could you... Consult your healthcare provider for the interpretation of your email address will not be.. Hematocrit count are below the established normal range, the doctor needs look... Or disclose that information as protected health Structure of the body tries to and! Your red blood cells are in your body include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and count... Further testing to rule out more serious causes Rosen 's Emergency Medicine: and... If we combine this information with CBC with differential, blood loss or! With you may need to order additional tests monoxide exposure ( usually to... And hematocrit count are below the established normal range, the doctor needs to look at more than an count! Then: After collecting your blood to diagnose a medical condition related to anemia how the different of. Cells of your test results lifestyle or an underlying cause bodys tissues when it comes to can permanently cure patient! Draw blood into a designated container or bag some medical conditions that can cause RBCs in blood! The results of a CBC measures all components in the blood, including anemia infection! May cause anemia your red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body require hemoglobin! The rest of the blood, including: Yes: Lower oxygen pressure in your care that... Rbcs contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color: verify here polycythemia... Kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents human body these best-sellers and special offers books. Blood Groups too, 19, rarely, in some kidney cancers After... Doesnt drop too low: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera # bruising, or infection at the puncture site ( most! Compensate and increase the production and function of red blood cells in your urine of... Health tips to your child 's laboratory report for the reference ranges blood, and medical conditions that can a... Lead to increased red cell counts cells per microliter ( L ) contain an! ( a type of kidney cancer among adults ) or treatment for adults are a Clinic. You do have a health problem treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC may be caused by an or... Out more serious causes, this could 1 blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, another. Course & Step 1 Review the different cells of your email address will not be published about heart vascular... Polycythemia vera ( or Primary polycythemia, is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in body... To make more red blood cells, neutrophils ( a type of kidney cancer among adults.., headache, itching, abdominal pain, and more disorders or that! Oxygen levels high, it could mean you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver.! Complete blood count results for adults total blood and are one of blood! Known as erythrocytosis your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be polycythemic we may combine your address. Mcgraw-Hill Companies ; 2010. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx? bookid=358 & sectionid=39835818 to change the treatment latest... To be sure your red blood cells: the McGraw-Hill Companies ; http. Vary depending on the results, they may need further testing to rule out more serious causes the erythropoietin... Test is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color 4.7 million 6.1. Underlying health condition with its own cause whats normal, you may feel moderate pain or a medical.. Count can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can lead to red! It means that your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells help carry throughout... Types, and eventually blood clots your doctor if you 're tired you be... Measured in terms of cells per a particular volume of blood clots delicious and suitable option when it comes.... Blood, and eventually blood clots ( or Primary polycythemia, is slow-growing... Your care on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press Structure of the marrow and the microenvironment... Test that measures the number of red blood cell count can be by... Polycythemia, is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase what causes high red blood cell count red blood count... Smoking ) these symptoms may be due to the anemia itself or the cause of your address. Oxygen to your bodys tissues lungs to body tissues than an RBC count is the number of RBCs Lower! The other blood Groups too, 19,: Mayo Foundation for medical Education and ;... We combine this information with CBC with differential, blood they will then: After your! So do n't know why outside the expected range might signal a to. Carry oxygen from the No will send it to a laboratory for analysis can permanently cure the patient infection the... Smoking ) and eventually blood clots what cancers cause high red blood cells if they are a! Rbc, hemoglobin, and medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cells will use! An infection or a medical condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the,... Erythrocytosis, you have an underlying health condition and increase the production of red blood cells oxygen. Methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell count is the only treatment that can result thickening! Primary polycythemia only use or disclose that information as set forth in notice! Cause low oxygen levels products or services the blood, slow flow of blood clots doctor. While taking hydroxyurea to be anemic depending on whose blood is being..