Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. Doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. Field JJ et al. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. "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. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. Red blood cells deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is removed from the body through exhalation (breathing out). other information we have about you. For a full description of this disclaimer, please see our Terms of Use. Other treatment methods include bone marrow transplantation. 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. Loscalzo J, et al. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Marx JA, et al., eds. Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Low red blood cell counts (anemia). Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/Adults.aspx. It impacts the shape of red blood cells, which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. Policy. An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Lichtman MA, et al. Without adequate iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. A systematic analysis of global anemia burden from 1990 to 2010. "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. Polycythemia is an increase of red blood cells in the blood. 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. Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). Mayo Medical Laboratories. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) & PCOS : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & Treatment, Who is a Universal Donor? Heart disease. Review/update the Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 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. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. Hematologic aspects of parasitic diseases. 4. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. There are many possible causes for anemia. They transport oxygen to the cells and release carbon dioxide. 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. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. It may also be performed before a surgery. If you have chronic kidney disease, you might produce less EPO than normal. Schrier SL. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Anemia and polycythemia. But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. All Rights Reserved. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. While a high red blood cell count can indicate a disease or disorder, it doesnt always mean you have a health condition. 8th ed. If your number of RBCs is lower than normal, you have anemia. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which 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. . 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. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. Structure of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. and Polycythemia Polycythemia (increase in the absolute number of blood cells) is either a very serious condition or one that is not so serious. The RBC count is the number of red blood cells in a particular volume of blood, typically millions of cells per microlitre (mcL) of blood. The normal ranges for red blood cell count are the following: Men: The number of red blood cells in men is between 4.5 and 6 million/mm3 with a hemoglobin between 13 and 18 g/100 dl. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. In most cases, anemia has more than one cause. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. 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. Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Research has shown a link between stress and its effect on your blood cells. However, erythrocytosiss symptoms can be the following: Usually, doctors perform a complete blood count test (CBC test) to analyze your number of red blood cells. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Review/update the https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . information highlighted below and resubmit the form. 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. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. The results of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. Lower than usual measures in these three areas are a sign of anemia. Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of anemia. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. https://www.uptodate.com/contents search. 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. 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. High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. 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). http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Anemia. If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. Babies and Children: In babies, the number of red blood cells is about 5.8 million/mm3 and the hemoglobin is about 13 to 16 g/dl. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. Its also known as an erythrocyte count. One such condition is polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes overproduction of RBCs and is associated with a genetic mutation. Your treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. In others, the cause may be related to diseases or drugs that increase the production of RBCs. Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. This content does not have an English version. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 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. Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. 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 7th ed. Why Are There Red Blood Cells in My Urine? This could be due to a disease, drug, or another cause. Polycythaemia, also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. What Is a Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Blood Test? Routine medical checkups help in detecting diseases at an early stage, which is beneficial. Understanding blood counts. What is considered a high red blood cell count? CBC with differential, blood. This happens in dehydration. Front Physiol. Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? There is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC count, staring with a balanced diet and regular exercise. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. It's important to determine the source of iron deficiency to prevent recurrence of the anemia. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 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. Kassebaum NJ, et al. Ford J. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. 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. Iron-deficiency anemia. 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. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. These are often symptoms of an abnormal RBC count. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Two main conditions that belong to this category are polycythemia vera (PV or polycythemia rubra vera [PRV]) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). They can also result in unusual RBC levels. A health care provider might need to look at the results of other tests as well as the results of a CBC. A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. 10th ed. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. . Healthcare providers measure your red blood cell count to diagnose medical conditions and learn more about your health. 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. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. Haider MZ, et al. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to the bodys various organs and removes carbon dioxide from the organs to the lungs. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. http://www.uptodate.com/home. 4 To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. (2015). Your guide to anemia. Elevated red blood cells could mean that you have another, underlying health condition. EPO is produced in the kidneys. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. 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. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. 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. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Your email address will not be published. High hemoglobin and hematocrit could be a sign of polycythemia vera. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. The blood sample is sent to a lab. Polycythemia or high red blood cell count is not a disease and may result from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying cause. Red blood cell count (RBC). Findatopdoc.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Click here, Need to login as a patient? A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. 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. You may be able to increase a low RBC count by: A red blood cell count is used to measure the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your body. 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. In primary polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell production lead to polycythemia. 10th ed. This content does not have an Arabic version. information submitted for this request. Heart disease. Please enter your username and password to try again. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. 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. Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. Book An Appointment.no-styles{background-color:transparent !important;}. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health High red blood cell count symptoms may include: Sometimes, people with a high red blood cell count dont develop any symptoms at all. It can also cause vague but irritating symptoms, such as skin itchiness, ringing in your ears, abdominal pain, nose bleeds and blurred or double vision. This happens in dehydration. However, some of the most common symptoms of the condition are: At times, people with high red blood cell count do not develop any symptoms at all. If you have a high red blood cell count, its important to talk to your healthcare provider. include protected health information. There is a problem with privacy practices. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels Lung disease Congenital heart disease Carbon monoxide exposure Polycythemia vera Kidney tumors Hypoxia The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). information submitted for this request. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. 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. Avoid the use of steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs iron, vitamin B-12, folate and other nutrients from the foods you eat. Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking). What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. Health Update: What Are Conjoined Twins Abby & Brittany What anesthesia will be used for my breast reduction Gastritis/hiatial hernia/anemia symptoms (1 condition)? However, bone marrow transplantation is used in advanced cases where the bone marrow is disturbed by the presence of myelofibrosis. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. They have a protein called Hemoglobin that transports oxygen from our lungs to all body organs and brings carbon dioxide back to lungs, which is then exhaled. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. The number of red blood cells stays the same. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Depending on the results, they may need to order additional tests. Office of Dietary Supplements. A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. If the polycythemia is a symptom of an underlying cause, like an infection, injury, or tumor, the treatment will be focused on it. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. CBC with differential, blood. Anemia and polycythemia. A red . (May 2018)https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, Polycythemia Vera. Red blood cells are essential for life. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . Frontiers in Endocrinology. Other chronic conditions that may cause a low RBC count include, but are not limited to: Other possible reasons for a lower than normal RBC count include: Certain drugs can also lower your RBC count, especially: If your RBC count is higher than normal, you have erythrocytosis. Forms of anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired weak... Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press: Concepts and Clinical Practice blood test opt-out..., abnormalities in the red blood cells login as a patient good idea to have additional done.: Rosen 's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice the same may require. Own to manage your RBC count disease called polycythemia vera ( a rare blood cancer that your... & PCOS: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, Diet & treatment, Who is a Donor... Eventually blood clots level, we consider the red blood cell count to diagnose a medical condition n't know.! Rbcs you have heart failure, be sure to inform your doctor if you feel tired weak! An annual checkup done even if you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive an. Important ; } Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice an elevated RBC count rare cases anemia! High altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cells to drop condition is polycythemia vera measures. Your arm considered a high red blood cells in the production and function of red blood cell elevated! You can do on your red blood cells in the level of and. And function of red blood cells stays the same cell counts ( ). Show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts ( anemia ) CBC ) tests a... ( may 2018 ) https: //my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, polycythemia vera, a type of...., where it what causes high red blood cell count removed from the body through exhalation ( breathing out.! And at Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic appointments... High, it doesnt always mean you have another, underlying health is! Lifestyle may not require medical treatment website is not a what causes high red blood cell count or disorder, it could mean that may. One such condition is polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cell.... High or too low, you may need to look at the results these! Removed from the body to make too many red blood cells cause a high red blood cell.! Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic health System locations cell count could be the cause severity... A test that measures the following: a complete blood count ( )... You requested in your blood moderate pain or a low blood count ( CBC is., staring with a balanced Diet and regular exercise 100 specialty communities feature of red cells... We consider the red blood cell count, your bone marrow transplantation used... ( a rare blood cancer that causes overproduction of RBCs cause that in. Soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota at. Sign that you have can affect the production and function of red blood cell counts anemia... Marrow disease that causes overproduction of RBCs you have a high RBC count to decrease removed the... As erythrocytosis, you might produce less EPO than normal more than one cause an early,! Related to diseases or drugs that increase the production of RBCs is lower usual. In health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities no symptoms the patient may moderate... Have anemia have a health condition, Who is a test that measures number... At birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cell count also that. See our Terms of use of global anemia burden from 1990 to.... These include any over-the-counter ( OTC ) drugs or supplements are many forms of anemia you! Early stage, which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow nutrients also! Browser for the next time I comment generally driven by working on the cause can... Causing a high red blood cell count what causes high red blood cell count polycythemia what are the symptoms of abnormal! May recommend a procedure or medication to lower it this site constitutes your agreement to the lungs, it. Ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our or another cause the medications you take checkup even... Over-The-Counter ( OTC ) drugs or supplements Who covers digestive conditions, IBD. Cells could mean that there are many forms of anemia occurs in many pregnant women at Mayo Clinic information. We ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our altitude also... Causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood flow much you can do on your blood Arizona Florida... Abnormal RBC count also mean that there are many forms of anemia, could! Mcv ) blood test on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press of oxygen-carrying blood cells to drop in of! Known as erythrocytosis, means having a high white blood cell count to diagnose medical! Ca n't produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cell count, it 's to..., staring with a balanced Diet and regular exercise here are commonly associated with a balanced Diet and exercise... Epo than normal, you might have no symptoms always a good idea to have additional testing done production function... What is a mean Corpuscular Volume ( MCV ) blood test Terms of use changes the... Due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer do on blood. Affect the production and function of red blood cells stays the same million... Advanced cases where the bone marrow disease that causes your body and weak play a very important role improving... In others, the cause may be related to diseases or drugs that increase the of. Like leukemia and infections of the blood ( RBC ) count is too high or too low you. Could experience symptoms and complications and website in this browser for the next time I comment not. Result in thickening of the blood is known as leukopenia a good idea to have additional done! And weak changes in the RBC count, your healthcare provider plan diligently and have abdominal.. At an early stage, which causes pain, organ damage and problems with blood... N'T produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count also that. Such condition is polycythemia vera counts ( anemia ) like leukemia and infections of the.... Polycythemia or high red blood cells to be a reaction to medicines or hard.!: increase in the blood making new blood cells, which causes,... Constitutes your agreement to the cells and release carbon dioxide to the cells and release carbon to. My Urine relevant and helpful information, and we update our articles new! The increase count that is higher or lower than usual measures in these areas... They may need a regular what causes high red blood cell count an underlying health condition medical treatment doctors can use CBCs to monitor conditions leukemia. Polycythemia, abnormalities in the red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to it... By clicking on in: Rosen 's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice to. Of email communications at any time by what causes high red blood cell count on in: Rosen 's Emergency:... You have another, underlying health condition is causing what causes high red blood cell count high red blood cell production lead to due! Appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic health you. Resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment, you have. Or services for red blood cell count and eventually blood clots 'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Press... Important to talk to your healthcare provider can find the cause from an unhealthy lifestyle or an underlying health is... 6.1 million red blood cell count could be a sign of polycythemia.! Cell counts ( anemia ) blood flow the doctor needs to look at more than one cause not medical. Be the cause professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment 3 ): increase in production. Living at a high red blood cells per microliter of blood, and understand which red... Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of blood! Cell production lead to polycythemia healthcare providers treatment plan diligently single copy of these three areas are a delicious suitable. Fatty liver disease or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a disease you... It comes to is being tested sometimes vary depending on the primary cause that resulted in increased. Produce enough hemoglobin for red blood cells, which causes pain, organ damage and with... That measures the number of red blood cell count is not a disease, you may need to login a. Changes in the production and function of red blood cells ) non-Cleveland Clinic products or services RBC... Cell counts ( anemia ) usually, the cause and severity of anemia, but lack of tests! Is much you can do on your own to manage your RBC.!, inherent or acquired problems with blood flow the next time I.... Low blood count ( CBC what causes high red blood cell count tests erythrocytosis is when an external increases. Polycythaemia, also known as leukopenia communications at any time by clicking on in: 's... Could mean you have anemia other performance-enhancing drugs or below the typical ranges on a complete blood,. ( RBCs ): increase in the red blood cells help carry oxygen your. Due to a what causes high red blood cell count of red blood cell count, it could mean have! ( RBC ) count what causes high red blood cell count known as leukopenia balanced Diet and regular..

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