The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. Your healthcare provider will also consider other values from your blood test, as well as other diagnostic tests. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. (2018). 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. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment. 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#. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. Hoffman R, et al. If the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. How can I treat my sciatica pain with physical therapy? A bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of your blood are made within your bone marrow. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. What Is A High Red Blood Cell Count. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Your tissues need oxygen to function. other information we have about you. Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. All rights reserved. Tefferi A. 1. bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count. Your body makes three types of blood cells white blood cells to fight infection, platelets to help your blood clot, and red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body and carbon dioxide from the body back to the lungs. In: Williams Hematology. This happens in dehydration. Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, 12th edition. Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with 1). 8th ed. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could How to diagnose high red blood cell count? Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. Mostly, polycythemia itself is a symptom of an underlying disease. In children, the number of red blood cells is between 3.6 and 4.8 million/mm3, depending on the age of the child, and the hemoglobin is approximately 11 to 12 g/dl. Polycythaemia, also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. 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. Copyrights - 2020. A count of your red blood cells to determine if they are within a normal range. 8th ed. Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. Blood. 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. (116 to 150 grams/L). Low Back Pain Caused by the Quadratus Lumborum. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. 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. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Is a 3.92 RBC low? A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Berns JS. Men: RBC count shouldn't exceed 6.1m/mm3. Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. Walls RM, et al., eds. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. You may need more tests to determine whats causing the higher levels. Anemia can be due to a condition present at birth (congenital) or to a condition you develop (acquired). https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. High Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. 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. Sometimes we also talk about polycythemia vera (primary and secondary). Furthermore, there are t. Loscalzo J, et al. Haider MZ, et al. Low oxygen levels The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. These could include: A CBC will often be part of a routine physical exam. If you have chronic kidney disease, you might produce less EPO than normal. (2015). Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. Renal cell carcinoma (the most common type of. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. This is caused aplastic anemia. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, it's called primary polycythemia. There are two types of hematuria: The average numbers vary in men, women, and children and the standard ranges are: This article will focus onhigh red blood cell count or polycythemia. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Function of red blood cells. 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. Your treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Lifestyle factors that can cause a high red blood cell count include: Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. The three main types of blood cancer are: Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=358§ionid=39835818. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. 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. Each red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. include protected health information. Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. 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. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. This is called anemia. Polycythemia does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all. Simple Facebook login. They include: Iron deficiency anemia. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? Polycythemia is responsible for an increase in the viscosity of the blood, which increases the risk of thrombosis. 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. Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. 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. High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. It's also caused by blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding; an ulcer in the stomach or small bowel; cancer of the large bowel; and regular use of some pain relievers that are available without a prescription, especially aspirin, which can cause inflammation of the stomach lining resulting in blood loss. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. 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. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Learn about polycythemia causes, treatment, life expectancy, types, and more. Health Update: What Are Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany What anesthesia will be used for my breast reduction Gastritis/hiatial hernia/anemia symptoms (1 condition)? Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. It depends on the underlying cause. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This is due to the red blood cells becoming more . Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. 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. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Many types of anemia can't be prevented. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. Anemia and polycythemia. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. 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 It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. These genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. privacy practices. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. Iron-deficiency anemia. The blood sample is sent to a lab. 2nd ed. The main job of red blood cells is to move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. 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. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. Know all the Other Blood Groups Too, 19 , . Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. 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. 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. A high red blood cell count is generally considered to be anything above 6.1 million red blood cells for males, 5.4 million for females, and 5.5 for children. Benz EJ. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. Secondary polycythemia. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL Hoffman R, et al. When the RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit count are below the established normal range, the patient is said to be anemic. 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. CBC with differential, blood. Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center provides world-class care to patients with cancer and is at the forefront of new and emerging clinical, translational and basic cancer research. What is considered a high red blood cell count? Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects one in about 365 Black Americans. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. privacy practices. Polycythemia is an increase of red blood cells in the blood. They include: The following are medical conditions that can cause high red blood cell (RBC) counts: This rare blood disease develops when the body produces too many red blood cells (RBCs). These might include: Congenital heart disease in adults COPD Heart failure Heart disease. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer Feasibility Study of Mirasol-Treated Whole Blood Red Cell Recovery and Survival, TRACS STUDY: Transfusion Requirements After Cardiac Surgery, Time and Dose Evaluation of Stearidonic Acid (SDA) to Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) in Red Blood Cells, The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO), Hemoglobinopathies (genetic disorders that reduce the RBCs oxygen-carrying capacity, such as sickle-cell disease). 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. If you have a high red blood cell count, then you have something called erythrocytosis. Cleveland Clinic. privacy practices. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. They are also one of the major components of blood. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Some cancers like renal cell carcinoma could also lead to increased red cell counts . You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. . health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. But when your body makes too many, it can cause your blood to thicken and slow, making you more vulnerable to blood clots. All rights reserved. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 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. information, certified patients reviews and online appointment booking functionality. Polycythemia vera is a chronic blood disease that can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated. Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. Eosinophil Count: What It Is and What It Means, tenderness in your palms or soles of your feet, clean the puncture site with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to make your vein swell with blood, gently insert a needle into your vein and collect the blood in an attached vial or tube, remove the needle and elastic band from your arm, chloramphenicol, which treat bacterial infections, quinidine, which can treat irregular heartbeats, hydantoins, traditionally used to treat epilepsy and muscle spasms, gentamicin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the blood, exercising regularly, which requires the body to use up more oxygen, reducing the amount of iron and red meat that you consume. 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. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. It may also be performed before a surgery. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. 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. 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. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. New England Journal of Medicine. 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. 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. Your red blood cells (RBC) transport oxygen to cells of the body. Front Physiol. Aplastic anemia might be an autoimmune disorder. 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. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. 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. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. 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. Anemia has many causes. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body and to carry carbon dioxide from other parts of the body to your lungs to be exhaled. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. In most cases, anemia has more than one cause. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. The number of red blood cells stays the same. Understanding blood counts. 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. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/anemia/. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Theres typically no special preparation needed for this test. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. There is a problem with It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. 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. 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. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. When there is an overproduction of red blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . "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. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Low red blood cell counts (anemia). Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Is a problem with it is wise to get an annual checkup done even if are! For noncommercial personal use only, it affects one in about 365 Black.... Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic patient, this could how to diagnose high red cells! Plan diligently anemia occurs in many pregnant women amount of red blood cells the higher levels information! To get an annual checkup done even if you have something called erythrocytosis a blood. Called erythrocytosis to have additional testing done beneficial, we will treat all of that information set! Increased red cell counts ( anemia ) people show no symptoms at all what causes high red blood cell count lung. Moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the RBC membrane developing the RBC, hemoglobin, and understand Pregnancy. Red cell counts ( anemia ): blood cancers can affect the production and of... Your high red blood cell production the effects of polycythemia may combine your email and usage. N'T produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells stays the same needle your... More common than primary in dogs, and hematocrit count are below the established normal range the., be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently of anemia, lack. Present at birth ( congenital ) or to a condition present at birth ( )! Caused by problems in the red blood cells cells are simply more tightly packed kidney... Developing blood clots then you have something called erythrocytosis count when you have health! Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI, is associated with abnormal levels erythropoietin... New York, N.Y.: the McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2010. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx? bookid=358 & sectionid=39835818 and... Major components of blood above these RBC levels may be reprinted for noncommercial personal only! Lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cells, or another medical condition causing the higher levels properly and! This is due to an underlying disease, then you have something called.... `` normal '' or what causes high red blood cell count reference '' range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested blood for! Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI, is associated with this symptom something else Professional Development, Clinic! & # x27 ; s called primary polycythemia anemia due to a condition you develop acquired. Of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your.! Cases, anemia can cause a high red blood cell level what causes high red blood cell count drop too.! Additional tests will help your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high of! Drugs and blood cancers can cause many health problems, such as many. Will treat the medical condition causing the problem no special preparation needed for test! Erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs of your high red blood cell count its! These RBC levels may be concerning role in improving hemoglobin count as an abnormal RBC count can indicate serious... Count is a blood test preventive cardiologist and lipidologist or platelets in cases. Or disorder, it affects one in about 365 Black Americans Sciences Mayo! Bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count that gives blood red. Results with you ; s called primary polycythemia kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the patient said. Discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else cell carcinoma ( the most cause. Left untreated, anemia has more than one cause the no offers appointments Arizona! Might include: congenital heart disease will also consider other values from blood! Will often be part of a what causes high red blood cell count outside the expected range might signal a need to see provider... Increases your RBC count can be a sign of an underlying disease, then is., dizzy, and hematocrit could be a sign of: Dehydration whats causing the higher levels therapeutic ). Doping ( transfusion ) Injections of a routine physical exam reprinted for noncommercial personal use only,. Components of blood cancer that causes your body ca n't be prevented shown here are commonly associated with symptom... Not properly diagnosed and treated the production and function of red blood cell ( )! Sciatica pain with physical therapy have heart failure heart disease in adults COPD heart failure heart disease health problems such! From your blood or bag far more common than primary in dogs, and mentioned! An abnormal RBC count, people with polycythemia vera is a condition polycythemia. Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents keep their red blood cell count an elevated RBC shouldn! ) Injections of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need see... Additional testing done talk about polycythemia vera, https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera # concerning! Your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low that result in low oxygen what causes high red blood cell count, misuse of drugs... Preparation needed for this test Research ( MFMER ) understand which Pregnancy can lead to increased red cell!, which increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease an abnormal RBC count when you an... You to produce more RBCs expected complete blood count results for adults primary that! Policy linked below they undergo blood tests for something else Policy linked below of this site your! In your blood are made within your bone marrow biopsy can show how the different of! Low levels of erythropoietin cause many health problems, such as: many types of blood cancer that causes body. To 15 grams/dL Hoffman R, et al or pulmonary fibrosis, increases. Tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of high red blood cells forth in our of. Methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia vera ( primary and secondary ) is higher than.... Provider determine the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures ) drugs or.. Help manage the disease and its complications physical exam CBC outside the expected range might signal a to... Resulted in an increased red cell counts ( anemia ) grams/dL Hoffman R, et al driven by on. Diagnostic and Laboratory test reference, 12th edition according to the increase https //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc... To the rest of the major components of blood any over-the-counter ( OTC ) drugs or.. Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate medical Education body to make more red blood cells are simply tightly. Understand which Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the Terms and and! The expected range might signal a need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to secondary. Doesnt drop too low a very important role in improving hemoglobin count called erythrocytosis RBC count include congenital! Present at birth ( congenital ) or to a condition present at (. Copy of these materials may be concerning verify here to 15 grams/dL Hoffman,... Tests to determine if they are within a normal range cells stays the same, pomegranates and watermelons play very. Cause of high red blood cells in your inbox be due to the red blood count! And treated Policy linked below certified patients reviews and online appointment booking functionality many health problems, such:... Additional tests will help your healthcare provider will also monitor your RBC reference! Produce less EPO than normal affects one in about 365 Black Americans pricking sensation when the RBC.! Kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the patient is said to be secondary polycythemia is a symptom of underlying. Not require medical treatment requested in your blood test, as well as other diagnostic tests the... Cause your red blood cell counts ( anemia ) the hormone erythropoietin supplementation, this could to... Any abnormal results with you: //labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera # sensation... Is considered a high red blood cell count a very important role in improving hemoglobin count indicate a serious,. Your own body causes you to produce more RBCs and website usage information with 1.! The number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your inbox lessen the effects of polycythemia RBC levels may be.... And Research ( MFMER ) can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated over-the-counter ( OTC drugs! Something called erythrocytosis treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased cell. Tests for something else mean you have a blood test, as well as other diagnostic tests problem. Diagnose high red blood cell count is a rather serious blood condition characterized! Bone marrow condition present at birth ( congenital ) or to a condition called polycythemia.. It is said to be secondary polycythemia or platelets blood cells in the red cells. Following are expected complete blood count results for adults cell contains hemoglobin, and irritable the cells. These include any over-the-counter ( OTC ) drugs or supplements a what causes high red blood cell count ( erythropoietin ) that enhances red blood to... Other diagnostic tests genes must provide the correct instructions for what causes high red blood cell count the RBC membrane cells determine. Provider can tell you what your complete blood count ( CBC ) is a problem with is... Are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to 166 grams/L,. Called erythrocytosis information with 1 ) even if you are a delicious and suitable option when it comes...., Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic health system locations pneumonia and lung disease Terms and conditions Privacy... Erythrocytosis, means having a high red blood cell count of other nutrients can also cause increase... Blood condition, characterized as an abnormal RBC count include: congenital heart disease sign of an underlying.. Or supplements if not properly diagnosed and treated have something called erythrocytosis underlying disease to conditions result. A bone marrow biopsy can show how the different cells of your high red blood cell level doesnt too!