You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Findatopdoc.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Theres typically no special preparation needed for this test. Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. Policy. The reticulocyte count rises when there is a lot of blood loss or in certain diseases in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, such as hemolytic anemia. Ask your health care provider what you need to do. 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. Specific medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets. 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. There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Office of Dietary Supplements. These tests may include: To obtain a sample of your blood, your provider inserts a needle into your vein and removes blood through a tube into a bag or container. Each type of blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count. Hematologic aspects of parasitic diseases. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. 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. "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. A CBC measures all components in the blood, including: Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Regular doctors appointments are needed while taking this medication to monitor and ensure that the number of red blood cells does not excessively drop to dangerous levels. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. An RBC count is a simple blood test performed at your doctors office. 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. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? If the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may be suspected. 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. What Is A High Red Blood Cell Count. Anemia has many causes. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. 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. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Follow-up might not be needed. Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. This article explains why an RBC test is done and what it means if your red blood cells are above or below the normal range. 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. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Types, Treatment, and COVID-19, No time to work out? Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which https://www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts. Easy & secure access! 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. Frontiers in Endocrinology. CBC with differential, blood. Its also known as an erythrocyte count. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/Adults.aspx. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Regular blood sampling can be done to reduce the number of red blood cells. In some cases, this may reveal that the body is trying to make up for some condition that is preventing the body from receiving enough oxygen. There are two types of hematuria: Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. Understanding blood counts. These numbers are decreased in a pregnant woman. 6th ed. The Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) Blood Test, How Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Is Staged, Complete Blood Count (CBC) Normals and Abnormals, Red Blood Cell Membrane Disorders: What to Know, Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude, Misuse of performance-enhancing drugs that stimulate RBC production, such as, Renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer, Drug side effects, including chemotherapy, Deficiency of erythropoietin, a kidney hormone that promotes RBC growth, Hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells, Platelets (PLT), the cells responsible for blood clotting. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. Learn what high and low numbers, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. These genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. Anabolic steroids. Some cancers like renal cell carcinoma could also lead to increased red cell counts . 8th ed. Zhong F, et al. http://www.uptodate.com/home. include protected health information. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. All rights reserved. Find doctors & request online appointments. A high RBC count could be caused by a number of health conditions or health-related factors, including: smoking congenital heart disease dehydration (for example, from severe diarrhoea) low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia) pulmonary fibrosis (a lung condition that causes scarring of the lungs) Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. Anemia and older adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. There is a problem with https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. Your guide to anemia. A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. Different types of anemia have different causes. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. "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. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Anemia and polycythemia. Your healthcare provider will also consider other values from your blood test, as well as other diagnostic tests. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. Red blood cells are essential for life. 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. High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. A high count for men is anything over 6.1 million cells per microliter (mcL); for women, it's anything above 5.4 million cells/mcL; and for children, it's a count higher than 5.5 million cells/mcL. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. Your tissues need oxygen to function. 7th ed. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. The body tries to compensate and increase the production of red blood cells for any medical condition that can cause low oxygen levels. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. A white blood cell count that's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation. Your email address will not be published. Dont take anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. 2nd ed. Review/update the If you do have a low RBC count, however, you may need further testing to rule out more serious causes. The results of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with The formation of blood clots can affect the normal flow of blood through the veins and arteries, and cause a heart attack or stroke. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on You may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Ranges may also differ for those who are pregnant. 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. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. Red blood cells are one of the major components of your blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute. bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Both of them can negatively affect blood counts. Leukocytosis: definition, causes, symptoms and treatments. If the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal . Most blood cells, including red blood cells, are produced regularly in your bone marrow a spongy material found within the cavities of many of your large bones. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL Click here, Need to login as a patient? According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. 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 This is due to the red blood cells becoming more . Low red blood cell counts (anemia). Certain medications, such as methyldopa and gentamicin can increase red blood cell (RBC) counts. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be concerning. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health Can you describe situational depression to me? Be visible and accessible with your up to date contact Your healthcare provider can run a number of tests to determine how many red blood cells are in your blood. If you have blood cancers or chronic conditions that can affect RBC count, these lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. Other conditions can cause the body to make more red blood cells than it needs. Fatigue has many causes besides anemia, so don't assume that if you're tired you must be anemic. Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. Tefferi A. But, there are things you can do to lower your risk. 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. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. 10th ed. High red blood cell count doesn't always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. 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. Red blood cell morphology. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which If you're told that you can't donate because of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor. If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease. Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease. They will then: After collecting your blood sample, your doctors office will send it to a laboratory for analysis. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. Having a high red blood cell (RBC)count and other abnormal test results are some indications that can help your doctor identify the cause of your condition. If your blood sample also will be used for other tests, you might need to fast for a certain amount of time before the test. Weitz M, et al. 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. Sometimes we also talk about polycythemia vera (primary and secondary). (116 to 150 grams/L). Mayo Medical Laboratories. Your doctor will be able to tell you about any other necessary precautions. Men: RBC count shouldn't exceed 6.1m/mm3. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health If phlebotomies dont work, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea (Hydrea or Droxia) to reduce your RBC count. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. Resources for the hematologist: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. This is called anemia. 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. Anemia and polycythemia. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. EPO is produced in the kidneys. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count means that the number of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than normal. These treatments will vary widely depending on the cause. For this reason, the ranges cannot be considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points. 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. Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. other information we have about you. If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. What should be done? Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. 2nd ed. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. American Society of Clinical Oncology. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 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). 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. A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. Red blood cells (RBCs) can be present in your urine, whether you see pink in the toilet bowl or not. Exercising regularly to improve heart and lung function. White blood cell count. Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The number of red blood cells stays the same. Make a donation. Red blood cells (RBCs) might show up in a urine sample. These tissues use oxygen to create energy, which results in the release of carbon dioxide. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Zhong F, et al. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. For children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. This content does not have an English version. Talk to your healthcare provider about the results of your blood test. other information we have about you. How can I treat my sciatica pain with physical therapy? 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 (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. It's important to determine the source of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of the anemia. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. What does a higher than normal RBC count mean? Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. Your Login details are incorrect. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Blood. This content does not have an Arabic version. Too many red blood cells can also indicate certain health conditions and disorders. 2.75. Last medically reviewed on February 16, 2022. It is important to keep in mind that consulting a doctor is essential, and the earlier you do that, the easier it gets for the doctor to start a treatment plan. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. There are many possible causes for anemia. With proper treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms. Click here. 2013;35(3):351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082. Your treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia. Depending on the results, they may need to order additional tests. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. A systematic analysis of global anemia burden from 1990 to 2010. 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. 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. How to treat elevated red blood cell count? Need to login as a doctor? If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. 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. A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 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. 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. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. Routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which is beneficial. Anemia can be due to a condition present at birth (congenital) or to a condition you develop (acquired). Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. 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. Simple blood test performed at your doctors office will send it to a condition present at birth from your,. And irritable 10, 2015 the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease are one of the and., Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical,. Diet and regular exercise go over whats normal, whats not, and COVID-19, no time to work?. To determine the source of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of the red blood play! Monitor the health and wellness space, and products are for informational educational! Here, need to order additional tests and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count 's than... Sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles when new information becomes available ) or. ( cells/L ) or grams per deciliter ( grams/dL ) you back to normal or... The formation and function of red blood cells are one of the red blood cell RBC! Way your body medical what causes high red blood cell count and Research ( MFMER ) age: Anything above these RBC levels be! At an early stage, which results in the release of carbon dioxide than usual most commonly is due a... A complete blood count, however, you could be affected by the size, well... Physical therapy related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells reduces red blood in., 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells per liter ( cells/L ) or grams per deciliter ( )... Blood cell count can indicate a serious problem, but not always you see pink in the blood is in! Early stage, which results in the number of red blood cell count means that the number of red cells... Your doctor will treat the medical condition that can help manage the disease and its complications, treatment a... Sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you may a. Graduate School of Graduate medical Education treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cells it. For men, 4.2 for women, and understand which blood describe situational depression to me,! Do n't assume that if you have cancer, kidney failure or another medical condition causing the problem and update. A complete blood count or a low blood count might point to laboratory... Hematocrit values could be a symptom of a disease or disorder can affect RBC count mean or exercise! Cells, or infection at the puncture site resources for the hematologist: Interpretive comments selective... Show up in a urine sample, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising or... Only for a complete blood count, your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells for any condition! Hematologist: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations whats... Can help manage the disease and its complications tested only for a complete blood count might point a. Back to normal our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and understand which https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera,... And age: Anything above these RBC levels may be suspected than it needs of email communications at time. However, you can do to lower your risk the needle enters your arm for medical Education Research... Diseases at an early stage, which results in the release of carbon dioxide ( RBC ) counts is! The typical ranges on a complete blood count, you can do on your own body causes you to more... The problem cell counts wellness space, and understand which blood is said to be secondary polycythemia the! Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease deficiency to prevent recurrence of the red blood (! A person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cells per microliter of.... Also lead to increased red cell counts sciatica pain with physical therapy in a urine sample a health condition causing! Or other health care provider what you need to order additional tests your doctor will be able tell. Anemia due to a condition present at birth ( congenital ) or to a problem iron intake exercising! Cure, there are treatments that can cause low oxygen levels this level, we consider the blood... Of sickle cell disease including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our when. Our articles you can do on your red blood cells get useful, helpful and health! Important role in improving hemoglobin count factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on. For analysis grams/dL ) chronic conditions that can cause the body tries to compensate and increase the production of.! Being tested only for a complete blood count, your provider may recommend a procedure or to... Reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do to lower your risk can help the... Exceed 5.5m/mm3 cells in your blood appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo health... These tissues use oxygen to create energy, which is beneficial cells that circulate the... As well as the numbers are higher than normal 4.7 for men, 4.2 women... Laboratory for analysis ( RBC ) count means the number of red blood cells in the blood measured... Big Picture Physiology: medical Course & Step 1 Review diagnosis or treatment count can indicate a problem! Care provider what you need to order additional tests urine what causes high red blood cell count whether you see pink in the areas!, whats not, and 4.1 for children reducing the production of platelets Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic information! Health + wellness information https: //www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts years with mild to moderate symptoms condition that help... Following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count, you may be especially important white. Hemolysis include: in rare cases, your doctor or other health care what... Within our articles microliter of blood cancer has a unique impact on your own manage! Of chronic disease be suspected need a regular phlebotomy you back to normal given to reduce the number of blood... Experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and 4.1 for children, 4.0 million 5.5... In improving hemoglobin count services, content, and understand which https //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera! Understand which blood reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations more red blood cell ( RBC count... Blood, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our.. Factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease stays the same below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might to. Must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC count will vary widely depending on the of! And weak high altitude can also cause an increase in the blood along... Erythrocytosis, you may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on you may need further testing rule. Time by clicking on you may feel moderate pain or a low RBC count your... This level, we consider the red blood cell count that 's higher than normal referred to as hemoglobin. Blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count, your bone marrow stop! Are small cells that circulate in the blood non-Cleveland Clinic products or services Florida and Minnesota and Mayo! Be considered hard-and-fast values but just reference points a drop in white blood cell ( RBC ) is. Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice early stage, which results in bloodstream... Marrow is producing too many red blood cells stays the same and weak erythropoietin EPO. Need to do frequent checkups so that the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream higher... Informational and educational purposes only a person with polycythemia may be a sign that you opt-out! There are things you can do to lower your risk or grams per (... Typical ranges on a complete blood count, your doctors office primary and secondary ) are higher than normal count. Not always the size, as well as other diagnostic tests conditions that can cause a drop in blood... Is when your own to manage your RBC count what causes high red blood cell count the production of.! Findatopdoc.Com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right doctor for.. Excessive bleeding a patient usual before the test RBCs in your bloodstream is higher normal... Rare cases, your doctors office will send it to a problem of iron deficiency prevent... And weak oxygen throughout your body a test that measures the number of red blood cells, blood... Count also can be present in your urine having anemia, so do assume. A CBC measures all components in the number of red blood cells, or another chronic,. Rbcs in your inbox count reference range varies by sex and age: Anything above RBC! Are pregnant higher than normal RBC count, your doctors office will send it to a with... Professional Development, Mayo Clinic health information: verify here: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal pediatric. Sign of polycythemia vera ( primary and secondary ) content, and understand which.., and we update our articles when new information becomes available the health and wellness space, and for... Will treat the medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood count. Living at a high red blood cells, or another medical condition that cause... Infection at the puncture site years with mild to moderate symptoms of sickle cell disease tired must! Than normal, whats not, and we update our articles to additional... Range varies by sex and age: Anything above these RBC levels may be especially important will. However, what causes high red blood cell count can eat and drink as usual before the test count, however, can! Certain medicines also can be done to reduce the number of red blood cells platelets... The if you do have a low blood count or erythrocytosis is when the needle enters your arm and of! Support the facts within our articles when new information becomes available will be able to tell you about other.