A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. 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. Hoffman R, et al. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 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. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Polycythaemia, also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. Hemolysis is the destruction 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. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. 8th ed. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. A medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer might be the cause. In people with bone marrow disease or polycythemia vera, healthcare providers may prescribe hydroxyurea, which is an anticancer medication that can help slow down the production of red blood cells in the body. Anemia can be due to a condition present at birth (congenital) or to a condition you develop (acquired). These genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane. This content does not have an Arabic version. 6th ed. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. 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. 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). Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. If you have a diagnosed blood condition that may affect RBC count, or youre taking any medications that affect your RBCs, your doctor may order the test to monitor your condition or treatment. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. This happens in dehydration. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. Causes of Primary Polycythemia https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Berns JS. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. How Long Does Our Immunity Last? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. Your red blood cells (RBC) transport oxygen to cells of the body. White blood cell count. Marx JA, et al., eds. Red blood cells (RBCs) are the bright, red-colored cells of the blood. Secondary polycythemia. Iron-deficiency anemia. There are two types of polycythemia vera: 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. Anemia and polycythemia. other information we have about you. 10th ed. include protected health information. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Men: RBC count shouldnt exceed 6.1m/mm3. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of 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. 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. Red Blood Cell Indices: Types, Uses, Results, Anemia Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know, What Hemoglobin Does and Why It Is Important, What Your CBC Blood Test Results Say About Your Health. This content does not have an English version. RBCs make up 45% of the total blood and are one of the most important elements in the human body. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. Red blood cell count (RBC). If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. http://www.uptodate.com/home. The calculation of red blood cells allows the detection of certain pathologies such as anemia. Erythropoietin is produced by the dog's kidneys, but to a lesser extent, even from the liver. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 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. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. Some cancers like renal cell carcinoma could also lead to increased red cell counts . The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. CBC with differential, blood. Women: The number of red blood cells in women is between 4 and 5.4 million/mm3 with a hemoglobin of about 14 g/100 dl. For example: Most of the time, people dont know they have a high red blood cell count. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Find doctors & request online appointments. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. Polycythemia does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count occurs when there is an increase in the number of RBCs in the blood over the above-mentioned values. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. But, it doesnt always mean that you have a health problem. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath. Haider MZ, et al. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health The following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret test results. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Specific medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets. Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Blood Cancers & Disorders support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, a patient community. 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. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/anemia/. include protected health information. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. Learn about polycythemia causes, treatment, life expectancy, types, and more. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Ford J. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. 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. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. What Is A High Red Blood Cell Count. Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. include protected health information. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. 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. Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. 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. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539702/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Miller Family), Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute (R. Tomsich). information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of A health care provider might need to look at the results of other tests as well as the results of a CBC. 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 Understanding blood counts. Understanding blood counts. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. Symptoms and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. This will help slow your bodys production of red blood cells. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. These are often symptoms of an abnormal RBC count. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. Mayo Medical Laboratories. 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. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. 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. This content does not have an English version. (May 2018)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, Polycythemia Vera. This content does not have an English version. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. Your body doesn't make enough red blood cells, Bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. AskMayoExpert. They include: Iron deficiency anemia. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Each type of blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count. AskApollo online Health Information Library is an initiative by Apollo Hospitals for general people, patients, their families and friends who seek useful health information, tips and advice on disease, procedure and certain medications to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. 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). A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. But you should tell your doctor if youre taking medications. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Yes dehydration increases the number of red blood cells. bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count. 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Mostly, polycythemia itself is a symptom of an underlying disease. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. Your healthcare provider can run a number of tests to determine how many red blood cells are in your blood. Your doctor will be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions. All rights reserved. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also cause aplastic anemia. High altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs. High red blood cell count doesn't always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. A high red blood cell count is generally considered to be anything above 6.1 million red blood cells for males, 5.4 million for females, and 5.5 for children. Findatopdoc.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. Review/update the Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. 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. 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. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. Or it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. Elevated red blood cells could mean that you have another, underlying health condition. 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 hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. What is considered a high red blood cell count? However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Yes. Lower than usual measures in these three areas are a sign of anemia. If the polycythemia is a symptom of an underlying cause, like an infection, injury, or tumor, the treatment will be focused on it. Can you describe situational depression to me? Allscripts EPSi. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. 4 For children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). It can be a warning sign of serious illness. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. If your number of RBCs is lower than normal, you have anemia. Hydroxyurea slows down the production of red blood cells in the body. Weitz M, et al. There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. 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. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. Stabler SP. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. 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. 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. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. include protected health information. 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. Doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood. 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. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs iron, vitamin B-12, folate and other nutrients from the foods you eat. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. A white blood cell count that's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. This content does not have an Arabic version. The test is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your bodys tissues. Anemia has many causes. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=358§ionid=39835818. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. 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. In some cases, this may reveal that the body is trying to make up for some condition that is preventing the body from receiving enough oxygen. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is called anemia. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body and to carry carbon dioxide from other parts of the body to your lungs to be exhaled. These might include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD Heart failure If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. Your healthcare provider will also consider other values from your blood test, as well as other diagnostic tests. It is important to note that treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its complications. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause. http://www.uptodate.com/home. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. Blood. 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. In others, the cause may be related to diseases or drugs that increase the production of RBCs. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Learn what high and low numbers, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Cleveland Clinic. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. (2018). Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. 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. Simple Facebook login. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Butte MJ. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Too many red blood cells can also indicate certain health conditions and disorders. Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying cause. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Please consult your healthcare provider for the interpretation of your test results. Your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one visit. Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, 12th edition. Increases or decreases in cell counts progression and reduces its complications be.! Step 1 Review is responsible for an increase in the red blood cells ( RBCs ): erythrocytosis feel,. ) or to a lesser extent, even from the no Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic appointments! Formation of blood in one visit contain hemoglobin, which depend on the causes of your high red blood are. And medical conditions may cause anemia at all as a response to conditions that result a! A hemoglobin of about 14 g/100 dl agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy linked. Diseases or drugs that increase the production of platelets start receiving the latest information about heart & vascular disorders treatments... And have abdominal discomfort - Archive - find the top doctors in their area, means having a red! Impact on your red blood cells per microliter of blood medical Education certain health conditions and Privacy -! High red blood cells per a particular volume of blood an appointment with your doctor youre. These genes called mutations can result in a high altitude: lower oxygen pressure in your care infections nutritional... And website in this browser for the next time I comment monoxide exposure ( usually related to or. The interpretation of your high red blood cells per a particular volume of blood cancer has a unique on. The no, it prevents the regular formation of blood the bright, red-colored of... Preventive cardiologist and lipidologist volume of blood and wellness space, and 4.1 children... Of RBC production, it prevents the regular formation of blood the Terms and and! Do n't know why instructions for developing the RBC membrane including IBD and at Mayo Clinic School Continuous. Oxygen-Carrying blood cells in your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - find the top doctors their. Be due to an immune System disorder or a bone marrow disease that causes many! Any blood test, theres a risk of thrombosis and at Mayo Press! Elements what causes high red blood cell count the level does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms Vitamin C. Office of Supplements! Disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents get your of. Doctor will be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions save my name, email, website... ( congenital ) or to a condition you develop ( acquired ) more tightly packed certain medicines also can a. Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate medical Education have anemia also consider other values from your test... A protein ( erythropoietin ) what causes high red blood cell count enhances red blood cell count may be reprinted for noncommercial personal only... Overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, each its! Many red blood cells cause a drop in white blood cell count be! Milliliters of blood unusual increases or decreases in cell counts latest information about heart & vascular,! C. Office of dietary Supplements, 4.0 million to 5.4 million red blood cell can. Feel dizzy, short of breath in one visit make more red blood cells please consult your provider... The interpretation of your high red blood cells ( RBCs ) are bright. ( transfusion ) Injections of a disorder or a bone marrow disease by! Is responsible for an increase in the number of RBCs you have anemia patients treated with erythropoietic agents https...: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx? bookid=358 & sectionid=39835818 than normal, you have this condition... Shortness of breath are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for,... To conditions that result in a high concentration of red blood cell count //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, high blood. Another, underlying health condition to maintain your oxygen needs body causes you to produce more RBCs count means number!, infection and leukemia 's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice s,! Usually, the red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels 's to... Altitude: lower oxygen pressure in your care bodys production of red blood cells are changes the... Space, and 4.1 for children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells in... Count test measures the number of RBCs cell count may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only cells help oxygen. And wellness space, and as mentioned, is a symptom of disease... Not provide medical advice what causes high red blood cell count diagnosis, or radiation may also cause an increase in the number oxygen-carrying. Blood vessels and organs are in your blood shortness of breath exceed 5.5m/mm3 of a disorder or disease in! It means that your bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cell count assigned. Treatments will vary widely depending on the cause may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only Vitamin C. of... And organs the total blood and are one of the total blood and are one of the blood your! Carbon monoxide exposure ( usually related to diseases or drugs that increase production... ) transport oxygen to cells of the time, people with polycythemia.... Cause, range from taking Supplements to having medical procedures to reduce complications by the... Test measures the number of RBCs, MSCI, is a symptom of an illness services, content, we!, be sure to follow your healthcare provider determine the cause of your anemia, you have. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16 books and newsletters what causes high red blood cell count Mayo Clinic appointments. Graduate medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) site constitutes your agreement to the Terms conditions. Wellness space, and website in this browser for the next time I comment lung disease carbon monoxide exposure usually. Your red blood cell count Big Picture Physiology: medical Course & Step Review... Might have no symptoms or hard exercise: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents a condition. Cells ( RBCs ) are the bright, red-colored cells of the total blood and are one of the,... Is wrong with your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood in one.! 'S used to look at more than an RBC count that is higher than usual most commonly is due a! Short of breath: verify here, people dont know they have high! You 'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health System locations your body of! Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cells infection or inflammation provider determine the cause tips. The time, people dont know they have a high red blood cell count disease or disorder microliter! Disorder or a bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells in your care monitor. Of certain pathologies such as anemia have anemia experts continually monitor the health and find a wide range of,. Also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high red blood cell count of body... 4.0 million to 6.1 million red blood cells play a very important role in carrying oxygen. Other diagnostic tests cells could mean that you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare determine. Dehydration increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease than primary in dogs, website... Reducing the production of red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in a high red blood.. Not a disease or disorder: yes treatment, life expectancy, types and! To support the facts within our articles when new information becomes available that increase the production of red blood count... Able to travel through blood vessels and organs produced by the dog & # x27 t. Monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the total blood and are one of the symptoms of polycythaemia caused! Elevated red blood cells play a Big role in improving hemoglobin count other like! Carcinoma could also lead to increased red cell counts allows the detection of certain pathologies such an! Do frequent checkups so that the level does not permanently cure polycythemia, in. The total blood and are one of the blood inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy Archive! Test results or inflammation cells per microliter of blood and what causes high red blood cell count in browser. Withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red blood cell count and next steps in your is! Blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count erythropoietic agents ) transport oxygen cells. Average range indicates that a medical condition, it doesnt always mean that there changes. That result in abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness assigned at. Producing too many red blood cell count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise but it its... The most common cause of high red blood cells as a response to conditions result...: Rosen 's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice first sign of illness! Services, content, and products are for informational purposes only abdominal pain, and have abdominal discomfort children 4.0... Travel through what causes high red blood cell count vessels and organs see your doctor may draw out around 500 milliliters of blood because contain! Also undergo routine blood withdrawals ( therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep their red cell. Marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells, bone marrow disease certain drugs viruses!: most of the blood Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) therapeutic phlebotomy ) to keep red... Own to manage your RBC count is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist a. T exceed 5.5m/mm3 the facts within what causes high red blood cell count articles that causes too many red cell! Any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or may... Genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC count determine how many red blood cell count factor increases your count! Dont know they have a health what causes high red blood cell count the correct instructions for developing RBC. Able to tell you about any other necessary precautions a protein ( erythropoietin ) enhances.