What is considered a high red blood cell count? 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). You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). Pagana KD, et al. 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. other information we have about you. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. A high RBC count could be caused by a number of health conditions or health-related factors, including: smoking congenital heart disease dehydration (for example, from severe diarrhoea) low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia) pulmonary fibrosis (a lung condition that causes scarring of the lungs) Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. Iron-deficiency anemia. 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. The number of red blood cells stays the same. This happens in dehydration. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. All types of anemia require treatment. 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. You may need more tests to determine whats causing the higher levels. It depends on the underlying cause. A condition that limits oxygen can cause a rise in red blood cell count. A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Specific medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. All rights reserved. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. 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. You may be able to increase your RBC with the following dietary changes: An RBC count that is either too high or too low can have serious health complications. Polycythemia is an increase of red blood cells in the blood. In fact, this is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient. When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. 1). A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 1. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Red blood cells are one of the major components of your blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. Tefferi A. Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease. 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. Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. Low Back Pain Caused by the Quadratus Lumborum. What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? Know all the Other Blood Groups Too, 19 , . High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. Some people learn that their hemoglobin is low, which indicates anemia, when they donate blood. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause. The results of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. 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. Riggin EA. No, a low RBC count isn't always serious. You may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots. They are also called erythrocytes. An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. Its also known as an erythrocyte count. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. There are two types of hematuria: Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. Red blood cells deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is removed from the body through exhalation (breathing out). Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. "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. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with 6th ed. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. 2013;35(3):351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082. You may be able to increase a low RBC count by: A red blood cell count is used to measure the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your body. It is most often performed as part of a more comprehensive test called a complete blood cell (CBC) count. The objective of this health library is to engage our community and offer relevant, trusted and easy to understand health & wellness information that can be accessed anywhere, anytime, on any device for FREE. Stress can lead to an increase in red blood cells, neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and platelets. Depending on the results, they may need to order additional tests. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. Yes dehydration increases the number of red blood cells. 2013;368:149. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. 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. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care.25 Apr 2022. 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. A bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of your blood are made within your bone marrow. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Hemoglobin contains 65% of the bodys iron stores. Book An Appointment.no-styles{background-color:transparent !important;}. 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. Anemia has many causes. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include . If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. If phlebotomies dont work, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea (Hydrea or Droxia) to reduce your RBC 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. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. 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. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health They include: Iron deficiency anemia. If you have chronic kidney disease, you might produce less EPO than normal. The number of red blood cells stays the same. Anemia can be temporary or long term and can range from mild to severe. All rights reserved. There is a problem with Avoid the use of steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. They can also result in unusual RBC levels. This content does not have an English version. If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Many types of anemia can't be prevented. information submitted for this request. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Akunov A, Sydykov A, Toktash T, Doolotova A, Sarybaev A. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. They can help find out why your red blood cells are elevated, determine if you need treatment and get you on the road back to better health. information submitted for this request. Is a 3.92 RBC low? This content does not have an Arabic version. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). No. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Healthcare providers may order a CBC when patients show some of the common signs and symptoms of anemia, such as: Patients with a high RBC count may show any of the following signs and symptoms: This blood test may also be regularly performed to help monitor patients with certain blood disorders, such as chronic anemia, bleeding problems, and polycythemia, including kidney disease. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. 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. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. 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. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could 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. * Polycythemia is an increase in both RBC concentration and hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues (ref. Each type of blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? 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. information submitted for this request. 2014;123:615. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Blood. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. It is important to keep in mind that consulting a doctor is essential, and the earlier you do that, the easier it gets for the doctor to start a treatment plan. A medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer might be the cause. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. About the medications you take these include: Underlying health condition of white blood (. 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