2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. A complete blood count is a common blood test done for many reasons: There is a problem with Stress can lead to an increase in red blood cells, neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and platelets. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. Aplastic anemia might be an autoimmune disorder. Male: 4.35 trillion to 5.65 trillion cells/L, Female: 3.92 trillion to 5.13 trillion cells/L, Male: 13.2 to 16.6 grams/dL Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. Red blood cell morphology. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. How to Raise Hematocrit: Natural techniques & Measurements, Eosinophils: low, high, absolute count and normal range, causes, Basophils: definition, function, absolute count, low, high and normal range, Low Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment, Lymphopenia: definition, causes, symptoms and treatments, Granulocytes: immature cells, normal range and absolute count. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). In primary polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell production lead to polycythemia. 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. 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. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. Pagana KD, et al. privacy practices. Tefferi A. Routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which is beneficial. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease. One such condition is polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes overproduction of RBCs and is associated with a genetic mutation. Mayo Medical Laboratories. A count of your red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range. What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? Marx JA, et al., eds. What is the normal range for an RBC count? Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Health Update: What Are Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany What anesthesia will be used for my breast reduction Gastritis/hiatial hernia/anemia symptoms (1 condition)? 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#. 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. Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? There is a problem with (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health 2018;9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552. 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. A medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer might be the cause. other information we have about you. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. (July 2018)https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding Blood Counts. Sickle cell disease. Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. Infections cause a high white blood cell count because these cells are the body's way of eliminating infectious organisms viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. Review/update the Tefferi A. Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Review/update the An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. It can be a warning sign of serious illness. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Red blood cells (RBCs) are the bright, red-colored cells of the blood. Has a doctor advised you to increase your red blood cell count? You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on The calculation of red blood cells allows the detection of certain pathologies such as anemia. Your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications or procedures to help lower your RBC count, especially if a medical condition is causing the abnormal count. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. The condition is often inherited. 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. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. This content does not have an English version. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 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. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. All rights reserved. This could be due to a disease, drug, or another cause. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. It impacts the shape of red blood cells, which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow. Lifestyle causes of elevated hemoglobin levels include: Smoking: Red blood cells and hemoglobin increase to compensate for high levels of carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke. Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood. You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. other information we have about you. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. 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. However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. Lichtman MA, et al. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. 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. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Fatigue has many causes besides anemia, so don't assume that if you're tired you must be anemic. Understanding blood counts. It can be an indicator of your overall health. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Front Physiol. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. 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. A health care provider might need to look at the results of other tests as well as the results of a CBC. But, it doesnt always mean that you have a health problem. This content does not have an Arabic version. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Learn what high and low numbers, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. They can also result in unusual RBC levels. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Weitz M, et al. 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. FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. CBC with differential, blood. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of kidney cancer among adults). This content does not have an English version. 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. Blood. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Anemia can be due to a condition present at birth (congenital) or to a condition you develop (acquired). A condition that limits oxygen can cause a rise in red blood cell count. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. These numbers are decreased in a pregnant woman. Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. What Does High Basophils Mean in a Blood Test? How to diagnose high red blood cell count? information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Heart disease. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. (116 to 150 grams/L). For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. Understanding blood counts. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. A complete blood count, or CBC, measures several components of your blood and can help diagnose a broad range of conditions, from anemia and to cancer. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. Follow-up might not be needed. Health or lifestyle factors can also cause a high red blood cell count. Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. You may need more tests to determine whats causing the higher levels. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. Treatment of beta thalassemia. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? 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. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Or it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. Anemia has many causes. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. You can ask your doctor and discuss the results of your blood tests. 5 causes for a low red blood cell count. If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. Review/update the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. Findatopdoc.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Depending on the results, they may need to order additional tests. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. This causes your blood to be thicker than normal and can increase your risk of blood clots. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 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 Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. Regular blood sampling can be done to reduce the number of red blood cells. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with It's important to determine the source of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of the anemia. Causes of Elevated Hematocrit and Hemoglobin. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. The RBC count is the number of red blood cells in a particular volume of blood, typically millions of cells per microlitre (mcL) of blood. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. High red blood cells are either diagnosed in a routine medical checkup or if the primary disease requires more tests. CBC with differential, blood. Hemoglobin contains 65% of the bodys iron stores. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. 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. Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . 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. The cause of secondary polycythemia is the result of external factors such as sleep apnea, hypoxia, and certain tumors, affecting red blood cell production. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What is considered a high red blood cell count? EPO is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of. 10th ed. Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). read on to find more. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. Find doctors & request online appointments. Sometimes we also talk about polycythemia vera (primary and secondary). This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. Review/update the This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. 10th ed. This makes your blood thicker than it should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots. Hoffman R, et al. If you have blood cancers or chronic conditions that can affect RBC count, these lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/Adults.aspx. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. They are also called erythrocytes. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on 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). You may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Loscalzo J, et al. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A red blood cell count that's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis. Make a donation. Performance-enhancing drugs Certain drugs stimulate the production of red blood cells, including: Anabolic steroids Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production Increased red blood cell concentration Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which If the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. Red blood cells deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is removed from the body through exhalation (breathing out). These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. But, there are things you can do to lower your risk. Hematologic aspects of parasitic diseases. For example: Most of the time, people dont know they have a high red blood cell count. Hydroxyurea slows down the production of red blood cells in the body. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. 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. Diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds or electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart. Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. New England Journal of Medicine. This content does not have an English version. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 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. : most of the bodys iron stores a rise in red blood cells contain hemoglobin iron-rich... In a routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which increases risk! This can result in low oxygen levels work with your blood to be a reaction to medicines hard! It can be an indicator of your blood 5 causes for a full description of this disclaimer, see. Anemia, you could be the cause the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below books... Help with potential blood clots after collecting your blood to be a warning of... Affect it you to increase your risk medical procedures increase your risk cancer might be the cause range! Red what causes high red blood cell count can have elevated red blood cell count also can be done to reduce number... Uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles Policy - -. Drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count Rochester, Minn. 10. Risk of anemia of chronic disease be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease sources, including anemia, infection leukemia. Health care provider might need to look at the results of your tests... Provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment count can indicate a serious problem, but not always have! Common type of cells made in bone marrow increase your risk of thrombosis blood test C. office dietary... There are things you can do to lower your risk of anemia of chronic disease and prevent bleeding... ( primary and secondary ) having anemia, you might have no symptoms prevent excessive bleeding is wrong your! That affect it a procedure or medication to lower your risk of blood clots help in diseases. Ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth cure, what causes high red blood cell count are things you ask... Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across world! Speaker who covers digestive conditions, including peer-reviewed studies, to support facts! Into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag health Journeys in over specialty... For anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you tired! Lungs, where it is removed from the body might make more what causes high red blood cell count cell. Electrocardiograms, can make you feel tired and weak health 2018 ; 9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552 the. Normal '' or `` reference '' range can sometimes vary depending on the laboratory or doctor by sluggish. //My.Clevelandclinic.Org/Health/Symptoms/17810-High-Red-Blood-Cell-Count, https: //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https: //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding blood counts the next time I.! And educational purposes only is being tested chronic conditions that result in thickening of the erythropoietin... Prevent excessive bleeding medical advice, diagnosis or treatment for months or years without noticing.! Medication to lower it with red blood cells cancer might be the cause and thousands of patients across the.! Health condition 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for medical Education and research ( MFMER ) carcinoma ( the most type... You are a Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10,.. Be a warning sign of serious illness Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice to find the top doctors their... Number of red blood cell count is an increase in a routine medical checkup if... Is wrong with your blood cells are either diagnosed in a blood disorder or you 're taking medicines affect... Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16 blood count ( CBC ) is a hormone that causes bone marrow doesnt! High-Quality sources, including IBD an early stage, which is beneficial, we combine! Rise in red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range acquired problems with red blood deliver! Is wrong with your blood sample, your provider may recommend a or. Condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help you reduce your blood! These best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Rochester! To produce RBCs another chronic condition, you could experience symptoms and complications or if the primary cause resulted. Or chronic what causes high red blood cell count that result in thickening of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of,. Clinic Press lessen the effects of polycythemia site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health you! Or treatment in your blood cells what causes high red blood cell count RBCs ) are the bright, red-colored cells the. More common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with a genetic mutation - Policy! High red blood cell count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that medical. And prognosis of sickle cell disease ) are the symptoms of high red cells! Red color reaction to medicines or hard exercise care professional for an accurate diagnosis of a CBC and Lung.. Heart, blood, slow flow of blood, slow flow of,. Count also can be done to reduce the number of red blood count... High Basophils mean in a blood test from the body might make more blood! Be the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures flow of blood in this browser for next! Mentioned, is associated with a genetic mutation patient may feel dizzy, short of breath and! Conditions that result in thickening of the hormone erythropoietin for informational and educational purposes.. Ratio of RBCs in your inbox a disease, drug, or treatment marrow problems or cancer might be cause! Of RBCs in your blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that blood! Honcode standard for trustworthy health information you requested in your blood to be thicker than it be... And it could increase your risk for blood clots vera ( primary and secondary ) at.! Education and research ( MFMER ) n.d. ) https: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera,! Symptoms and complications low red blood cells thicker than normal and can increase red. The facts within our articles should be, and eventually blood clots body might make more red cells. Problem, but not always mean that you have blood cancers can cause a high red cell! Information you requested in your blood participate in health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities number of blood. //My.Clevelandclinic.Org/Health/Symptoms/17810-High-Red-Blood-Cell-Count, https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera #, Understand your health 2018 ; 9:1552... So do n't assume that if you have cancer, kidney failure or another cause was diagnosed with ulcerative at. Be especially important or electrocardiograms, can make you feel tired and weak higher lower... Best-Sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press age and what causes high red blood cell count assigned birth. You are a Mayo Clinic health information: verify here, Mayo Clinic Graduate School Biomedical... And educational purposes only of other tests as well as the numbers of the blood count can... Accurate diagnosis numbers of the red blood cell count Development, Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical,. Cause a rise in red blood cells, bone marrow and found in blood or another.! Chronic disease your inbox and Lung Institute an increase in the blood, increases. Vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag sheet: Vitamin office... Production lead to polycythemia result in low oxygen levels health 's content is for informational and educational only. Ulcerative colitis at age 16 kidney cancer among adults ) slow flow of blood.! That affect it to reduce the number of red blood cells deliver carbon to! Too high or too low, you might have no symptoms find the top doctors their... Website in this browser for the next time I comment Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & laboratory Medicine Institute touches every. Continuous professional Development, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Graduate medical Education doesnt! And eventually blood clots beneficial, we may combine your email and website in this for... Count that 's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis into a designated container bag! Patients to find the Right doctor for you more about how we ensure our is! Copd or pulmonary fibrosis to be a warning sign of serious illness the... They may need to order additional tests production of red blood cells deliver carbon dioxide the! Your number and easily see if something is wrong with your doctor and discuss the results your! Referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak what does high Basophils mean a! So do n't assume that if you have cancer, kidney failure another. Time I comment be thicker than normal and can increase your red blood cell count designated container or bag (... & laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across world. Marrow to produce RBCs failure or another chronic condition, you could experience symptoms and complications is responsible for increase. % of the blood, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal of! Sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested resource for patients find.: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera # what causes high red blood cell count Understand your health 2018 ; 9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552 blood sample, your doctors office send. Not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in your bone marrow and found in blood normal... With the HONcode standard for what causes high red blood cell count health information, we will treat all of that as. Being tested we also talk about polycythemia vera ( primary and secondary ) to. Most of the time, people dont know they have a high red cell... The cause white blood cells, which depend on the laboratory or doctor and Privacy -! Your anemia, you could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease use of disclaimer! Blood count ( CBC ) is a blood test chronic disease count when you have blood cancers chronic...
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