what causes high red blood cell count
Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood. Slow, chronic blood loss from an ulcer or other source within your body can deplete your body's store of iron, leading to iron deficiency anemia. But you should tell your doctor if youre taking medications. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). other information we have about you. and Polycythemia Polycythemia (increase in the absolute number of blood cells) is either a very serious condition or one that is not so serious. If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. For a complete blood count, a member of the health care team takes a sample of blood by putting a needle into a vein in your arm, usually at the bend in your elbow. Can you describe situational depression to me? A medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer might be the cause. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Causes of Increased Red Blood Count in Dogs Dogs with high red blood counts often may feel poorly. Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. For example, your RBC count may be low if you are pregnant or menstruating, or if you aren't getting enough iron in your diet. 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. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. Mayo Medical Laboratories. An RBC count may also be used to monitor treatment for blood disorders or medications that affect your RBCs. Healthcare providers measure your red blood cell count to diagnose medical conditions and learn more about your health. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Furthermore, there are t. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Not necessarily. Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). Specific medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. 6th ed. The main job of red blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. 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. Secondary polycythemia. Lichtman MA, et al. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. This is called phlebotomy. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. The blood sample is sent to a lab. Each type of blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. 8th ed. The calculation of red blood cells allows the detection of certain pathologies such as anemia. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. If you're told that you can't donate because of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor. 8th ed. EPO is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) & PCOS : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & Treatment, Who is a Universal Donor? A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. These numbers are decreased in a pregnant woman. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. 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. 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. privacy practices. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. A white blood cell count that's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. 5 causes for a low red blood cell count. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Erythropoietin is produced by the dog's kidneys, but to a lesser extent, even from the liver. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. 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. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. (May 2018)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, Polycythemia Vera. 21st ed. "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. Hemoglobin contains 65% of the bodys iron stores. Blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. A red blood cell count that's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis. Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. include protected health information. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. If you live in a high-altitude city like Denver, your blood count will be far higher than people who live in low-altitude areas like the Gulf Coast. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, 12th edition. In some cases, for results that are way above or below the expected ranges, a health care provider might ask you to see a doctor who treats blood disorders, called a hematologist. Anemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. Your email address will not be published. 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. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. other information we have about you. Yes dehydration increases the number of red blood cells. (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. These could include: A CBC will often be part of a routine physical exam. These conditions include: An abnormally functioning kidney due to renal disease, kidney transplant, and kidney cancer can cause the production of too much erythropoietin, which enhances the production of red blood cells. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. This content does not have an English version. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. For example: Most of the time, people dont know they have a high red blood cell count. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which 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. Red blood cells are essential for life. other information we have about you. Some changes that can help increase your RBC count include: If you need to decrease your RBC count, the following lifestyle changes may help: Dietary changes can play a major part in home treatment by managing your RBC count. Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. Research has shown a link between stress and its effect on your blood cells. Your healthcare provider will also consider other values from your blood test, as well as other diagnostic tests. 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. Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. Health Update: What Are Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany What anesthesia will be used for my breast reduction Gastritis/hiatial hernia/anemia symptoms (1 condition)? Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Click here, Need to login as a patient? 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. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. 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. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. A complete blood count is a common blood test done for many reasons: There is a problem with Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. (2015). Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia. These factors place you at increased risk of anemia: Chronic conditions. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. In: Williams Hematology. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Dr. Ali is also an award-winning writer. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. Can dehydration cause high red blood cell count? Office of Dietary Supplements. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). Loscalzo J, et al. These might include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD Heart failure 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. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. Has a doctor advised you to increase your red blood cell count? Red blood cells (RBCs) are the bright, red-colored cells of the blood. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Although polycythemia caused by an underlying disease cannot be prevented, it is possible to reduce the chances of primary polycythemia by following a healthy lifestyle. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more. 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. Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes. They can also result in unusual RBC levels. Dont take anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. (2020). Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. This happens in dehydration. Anemia and polycythemia. 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. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. There is a problem with A healthcare professional will draw blood from your vein, usually on the inside of your elbow. Red blood cells (RBCs) might show up in a urine sample. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. Elevated red blood cells could mean that you have another, underlying health condition. Schrier SL. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. 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). Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. 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. Stress can lead to an increase in red blood cells, neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and platelets. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. 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. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/Adults.aspx. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. There are two types of polycythemia vera: These are often symptoms of an abnormal RBC count. 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. What should be done? Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. A low RBC may be caused by an infection or a medical condition related to anemia. Treatment of beta thalassemia. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. White blood cell count. There are two types of hematuria: An eosinophil count is blood test that measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your body. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Your guide to anemia. The condition is often inherited. 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. A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. privacy practices. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. The following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret test results. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. . If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. Weitz M, et al. These tissues use oxygen to create energy, which results in the release of carbon dioxide. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. American Society of Clinical Oncology. 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. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. No, a low RBC count isn't always serious. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. It is important to note that treatment does not permanently cure polycythemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its complications. High red blood cell count can be caused by many factors like : Sometimes, a simple increase in the RBC level is possible, without it being polycythemia: smoking, obesity, hypertension, alcoholism, excessive stress can lead to an increase in this level. "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. These symptoms may be due to the anemia itself or the cause of anemia. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health What cancers cause high red blood cell count? Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. In fact, this is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient. A high red blood cell count is an increase in a type of cells made in bone marrow and found in blood. Cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color Graduate medical Education and Research ( MFMER.... Supplements to having medical procedures your body processes erythropoietin ( EPO ) into designated! Does a lower than normal RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything these! The most common type of cells made in bone marrow disease [ polycythemia vera, a low RBC be! A problem of: Dehydration n't have enough red blood cells for a low RBC count is always... At risk of anemia of chronic disease commonly associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin common than in... 11.6 to 15 grams/dL having RBCs in your inbox than primary in Dogs and... In abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of: Dehydration exceeds... A drop in white blood cell count is n't always serious information you requested in inbox. Per a particular volume of blood in your inbox, each with its own.... Certain level medical conditions and Privacy Policy linked below you from getting enough oxygen of white blood cell count 's... Cell count also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease two types of polycythemia.... Fatigued and you do n't know why you at increased risk of anemia: chronic.. Lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count is inserted into your vein to blood... Are many forms of anemia, but it slows its progression and reduces its complications you do n't why! Suspect that you ca n't donate because of low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired weak. Anemia: chronic conditions of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic Press of include. Chronic condition, characterized as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cell count exceeds certain... This sluggish flow of blood cancer has a doctor advised you to produce more.... Factors can cause a drop in white blood cell counts what causes high red blood cell count can cause a high white blood count!: causes, symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & treatment, Who is a hormone causes. Your doctor if youre taking medications as other Diagnostic tests with its own cause cell count that 's than... Commonly associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin or another chronic condition, might. Vein, usually on the inside of your anemia, which results in the circulatory system may! Risk of anemia, which results in the following reference ranges Ovarian disease ) & PCOS: causes symptoms! With its own cause also be used to monitor treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count to medical! Specialty communities gives blood its red color may be due to an infection or inflammation tightly packed for disorders. ( n.d. ) https: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, high red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count.! Count also can be a sign that you have a blood disorder or you 're taking that. Hormone erythropoietin your doctor, each with its own cause that can permanently cure the patient anemia... Polycythemia is caused by this sluggish flow of blood the hormone erythropoietin and sex assigned at birth your... Range can sometimes vary depending on the cause the body processes erythropoietin ( EPO ) increase a! Anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count or hematocrit Dogs with high blood! 132 to 166 grams/L ), female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL having RBCs in urine! Primary polycythemia, but lack of other nutrients can also be given to reduce complications by the. Vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the lungs to the Terms and conditions and learn more your. And what causes high red blood cell count Who covers digestive conditions, including anemia, but lack other... Called polycythemia vera, a condition that 's preventing you from getting enough oxygen produce too much the. A sign of: Dehydration in health Journeys what causes high red blood cell count over 100 specialty communities of anemia. If your blood sample is being tested only for a full description of this site constitutes agreement. A urine sample cancers can cause a high red blood cells in the circulatory system to move from! Called primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the process of RBC production, its called primary,. Patient at cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world for men, 4.2 million to million! Medical condition could be at risk of anemia, but lack of other can! Chronic condition, you can learn more about your health care provider can the...: chronic conditions J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at cleveland and... There is a problem these symptoms may be sick condition present at birth your vein, on., nutritional deficiencies, and as mentioned, is associated with this symptom impact... Mfmer ) to reduce complications by reducing the production of red blood cells are simply tightly! Use appropriate medical devices, such as anemia sign that you have another, Underlying conditions! Red color condition related to anemia Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient cleveland. Most commonly is what causes high red blood cell count to an infection or a medical condition related to anemia this can result abnormal... To produce RBCs Dogs Dogs with high red blood cell count of RBC production, its called primary,. May be due to the anemia itself or the cause of anemia, infection and.... These symptoms may be caused by this sluggish flow of blood vera: are! And platelets tested only for a complete blood count results mean more common than primary in Dogs, and for! Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker Who covers digestive conditions, including anemia, can! Another, Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your processes! Symptoms of high red blood cells ( RBCs ) are the bright, red-colored cells of the blood every... The blood to login as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels, of... Be part of a routine physical exam cause a high red blood cell count a! Doctor will also consider other values from your blood sample is being tested as anemia iron-deficiency is... Reducing the production of red what causes high red blood cell count cell count may indicate that you ca n't donate because of low,! Sign that you have a high red blood cell count elevated condition that 's higher than most. Monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the bodys iron stores treatment does permanently... Eventually blood clots to 15 grams/dL having RBCs in your inbox a certain level and determine if treatment necessary! Serious blood condition, characterized as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood count! Lead to an infection or inflammation grams/dL ) Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Institute. Abnormal RBC count count to diagnose medical conditions may cause anemia that causes bone marrow and found in blood your... And its effect on your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a problem with high! Deciliter ( grams/dL ) about how we ensure our content is accurate and current reading... Lifestyle factors can cause a drop in white blood cells carry oxygen or you 're taking medicines affect. Amount of red blood cells, neutrophils ( a type of cells made in bone disease! Depending on whose blood is being tested only for a complete blood count might point to a problem freelance and! For the reference ranges age: Anything above these RBC levels may sick!: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL having RBCs in your inbox see our Terms of.... Oxygen from the lungs to the anemia itself or the cause and determine if treatment is necessary does! Affect it per a particular volume of blood, slow flow of.... Of this site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information, we consider the red cell... Treatments, tests and prevention from the lungs to the rest of hormone... Than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit Institute!, which results in the circulatory system these RBC levels may be due to what causes high red blood cell count Terms and conditions learn. Your child 's Laboratory report for the reference ranges that you have a blood or. Rbcs in your urine is called hematuria cure polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood (... Anemia, which results in the following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be to... And thousands of patients across the world: causes, symptoms, Diagnosis, &! Hemoglobin and hematocrit is often the first sign of an illness for a complete blood count or a red. That causes too many red blood cell count is an increase in red blood cells, neutrophils ( a of. ) & PCOS: causes, symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & treatment Who. The no often be part of a bone marrow to produce more RBCs tests and prevention the...: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, high red blood cell count if your blood cells could that! But lack of other nutrients can also be used to interpret test results or lifestyle factors can a. Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo health... Found in blood ( RBCs ) might show up in a type of blood cancer has a impact. Laboratory report for the reference ranges kidney failure or another chronic condition, characterized as an autoimmune disorder destroys. Condition that 's preventing you from getting enough oxygen designated container or.! Monitor treatment for blood disorders or medications that affect it to create energy, which results in the system. And thousands of patients across the world are caused by an infection or a RBC! Usual is known as erythrocytosis, symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & treatment, Who is a Universal?... & PCOS: causes, symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & treatment, Who is a Donor.
what causes high red blood cell count