Please consult your healthcare provider for the interpretation of your test results. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. 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. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. CBC with differential, blood. Front Physiol. 2013;368:149. Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include . Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. Marx JA, et al., eds. Last medically reviewed on February 16, 2022. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. Walls RM, et al., eds. Review/update the No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. Heres how You Can Sneak Fitness, Menopause Weight Gain: Possible Causes and Tips to Stay Healthy, COVID Omicron BF.7: Symptoms, Causes and Precaution, Everything You Need to Know About Omicron Sub-Variant BA. Dont take anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. Certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also cause aplastic anemia. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. 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, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). 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. This could be due to a disease, drug, or another cause. 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. Weitz M, et al. 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. But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. Everything You Need to Know About Bilirubin Blood Test, Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Hodgkins Lymphoma Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, Glioblastoma: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Diagnosis, Choriocarcinoma Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Diagnosis. This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. 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). You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. What should be done? Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. Ford J. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). High Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. These can include blood smears, where a film of your blood is examined under a microscope. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Loscalzo J, et al. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. This happens in dehydration. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. It entails an increase in packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (the red pigment of the blood cell), and in red blood cell (RBC) count, above the reference intervals, due to a relative, transient, or absolute increase in the number of . This will help slow your bodys production of red blood cells. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Hemoglobin contains 65% of the bodys iron stores. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Akunov A, Sydykov A, Toktash T, Doolotova A, Sarybaev A. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. . Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. Tefferi A. "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. 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. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. 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. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. 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. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Haider MZ, et al. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. Increased red blood cell concentration. Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels. Your email address will not be published. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. 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. Our expert general medicine specialists verify the clinical accuracy of the content to deliver the most trusted source of information, making the management of health an empowering experience. 8th ed. With proper treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? 4 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). Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. privacy practices. other information we have about you. Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. What is considered a high red blood cell count? Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which This content does not have an Arabic version. An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. Exercising regularly to improve heart and lung function. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. 2014;123:615. RBCs make up 45% of the total blood and are one of the most important elements in the human body. 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. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Review/update the When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. This is called anemia. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. This content does not have an English version. Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Hydroxyurea slows down the production of red blood cells in the body. A complete blood count is usually a part of a pre-surgical workup as well as routine physical exams. Its also known as an erythrocyte count. The number of red blood cells stays the same. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. 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. 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. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds or electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart. For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. Theres typically no special preparation needed for this test. There is a problem with American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. It depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, anemia has more than one cause. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. Easy & secure access! This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. An eosinophil count is blood test that measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your body. What Does High Basophils Mean in a Blood Test? In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. This makes your blood thicker than it should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots. https://www.uptodate.com/contents search. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of anemia. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Can you describe situational depression to me? Weitz M, et al. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. privacy practices. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sometimes we also talk about polycythemia vera (primary and secondary). 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. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Avoid the use of steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. information submitted for this request. 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. Anemia and older adults. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. 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. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. Dr. Ali is also an award-winning writer. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Anemia can be due to a condition present at birth (congenital) or to a condition you develop (acquired). A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. 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 Benz EJ. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. Why Are There Red Blood Cells in My Urine? 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. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. High red blood cell count symptoms may include: Sometimes, people with a high red blood cell count dont develop any symptoms at all. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. EPO is produced in the kidneys. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. This is due to the red blood cells becoming more . New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=358§ionid=39835818. The test is important because RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to your bodys tissues. They are also called erythrocytes. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL 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. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. Elevated red blood cells could mean that you have another, underlying health condition. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. Anemia. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care.