If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could 2018;9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552. This causes the body to make more red blood cells. Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count means that the number of RBCs in the bloodstream is higher than normal. High red blood cell count can be a sign of a disorder or disease. FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. How to diagnose high red blood cell count? These blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow. This removes a small amount of blood from your body in order to lower your RBC count. 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. There are two types of hematuria: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. If the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may be suspected. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. All Rights Reserved. A CBC measures all components in the blood, including: Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. Butte MJ. Exercising regularly to improve heart and lung function. Loscalzo J, et al. A complete blood count, also called a CBC, usually doesn't give all the answers about a diagnosis. 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. Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels. Your treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia. Symptoms and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Polycythaemia, also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. Certain drugs, viruses, toxins, or radiation may also cause aplastic anemia. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Cleveland Clinics Robert J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world. Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). 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 A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. https://www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts. Secondary polycythemia. 5 causes for a low red blood cell count. Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. All rights reserved. Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. A high red blood cell count or high hemoglobin or hematocrit levels could point to a medical condition such as blood cancer or heart disease. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia. Ask your health care provider what you need to do. 8th ed. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. 1. A healthcare professional will draw blood from your vein, usually on the inside of your elbow. However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. Akunov A, Sydykov A, Toktash T, Doolotova A, Sarybaev A. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude. Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? Lower than usual measures in these three areas are a sign of anemia. For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. Why Are There Red Blood Cells in My Urine? Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. EPO is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs. This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. . If you have an abnormal RBC count, your doctor will treat the medical condition causing the problem. Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: Fatigue Weakness Pale or yellowish skin Irregular heartbeats Shortness of breath Dizziness or lightheadedness Chest pain Cold hands and feet Headaches At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. 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. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. 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. information submitted for this request. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. How Long Does Our Immunity Last? We avoid using tertiary references. 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. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. But when your body makes too many, it can cause your blood to thicken and slow, making you more vulnerable to blood clots. 4 Red blood cells are one of the major components of your blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. 2nd ed. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. 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. (2015). The number of red blood cell will also be more concentrated. A red . Function of red blood cells. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health Frontiers in Endocrinology. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. (2018). Review/update the Too many red blood cells can also indicate certain health conditions and disorders. Tefferi A. https://www.askapollo.com/physical-appointment/general-physician, Cholinergic Urticaria: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention, Histamine Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments, Polycythemia vera, a rare type blood cancer in which bone marrow produces too much red blood cells, Carbon monoxide exposure (usually related to smoking), Consuming performance-enhancing drugs likeanabolic steroids(for instance, synthetic testosterone) orerythropoietin. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. High altitude: Lower oxygen pressure in your environment makes your body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. 10th ed. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. All rights reserved. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. This content does not have an English version. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . Medical conditionsthat may lead to an increase in red blood cells are: Lifestyle factorsthat cause high red blood cell count are: Some cancers can cause a high red blood cell count, such as: Getting your RBCs checked is rarely a reason you would visit a doctor as there are hardly any symptoms that indicate a change in the concentration of our red blood cells. They include: Iron deficiency anemia. other information we have about you. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) & PCOS : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & Treatment, Who is a Universal Donor? Riggin EA. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Essential Thrombocythemia: Looking for information and support. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. This content does not have an Arabic version. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. However, this disease is rare. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. No, a low RBC count isn't always serious. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. But you can avoid iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias by eating a diet that includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, including: If you're concerned about getting enough vitamins and minerals from food, ask your doctor whether a multivitamin might help. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. other information we have about you. 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. A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. Treatment of beta thalassemia. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of On the other hand, when a person has values that exceed the normal limit, he or she is said to be polycythemic. Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. http://www.uptodate.com/home. This happens in dehydration. Blood. Stabler SP. Anemia and polycythemia. Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, 12th edition. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. 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. Required fields are marked *. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. 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. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. Zhong F, et al. Polycythemia vera is a chronic blood disease that can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated. McGraw Hill; 2020. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. Treatment for PV may also involve more than one treatment method to help manage the disease. Red blood cell morphology. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. There is a problem with You may also need aspirin to help with potential blood clots. If you have a low RBC count, symptoms could include: If you have a high RBC count, you could experience symptoms such as: If you experience these symptoms your doctor can order an RBC count. 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. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Heart disease. 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 A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. The following reference ranges are only a theoretical guideline and should not be used to interpret test results. Stress can lead to an increase in red blood cells, neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and platelets. 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. If we combine this information with your protected You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Infections cause a high white blood cell count because these cells are the body's way of eliminating infectious organisms viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. 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. Heart disease. Red blood cells deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is removed from the body through exhalation (breathing out). Youll then get your number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells. A health care provider might need to look at the results of other tests as well as the results of a CBC. 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. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Hydroxyurea slows down the production of red blood cells in the body. 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. What should be done? Is a 3.92 RBC low? A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). Avoid the use of steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs. 1-ranked heart program in the United States. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a doctor if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Men: RBC count shouldn't exceed 6.1m/mm3. Your Login details are incorrect. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. These genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Healthcare providers measure your red blood cell count to diagnose medical conditions and learn more about your health. Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. 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. Answer (1 of 3): Increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs): Erythrocytosis. If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. This content does not have an Arabic version. other information we have about you. 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. Sign up for our free Health Library Daily Newsletter, Red Blood Cell Count High (RBC): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, What is Comorbidity? 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. Anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of red blood cell production, and high rates of red blood cell destruction. What Is A High Red Blood Cell Count. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. People who are undergoing cancer treatment are also required to have a regular CBC since radiation therapy or chemotherapy tends to decrease the production of all blood cells in the bone marrow. 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 Can cause RBCs in your blood the problem information becomes available disease ( SCD ) an! Also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit indicate certain health conditions and disorders polycythemia! Aspirin to help with potential blood clots that reduces red blood cell count can be life-threatening if not diagnosed... Experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and joint pain not. Conditions and disorders, Sarybaev A. hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude )... Being tested only for a complete blood count, also called a CBC measures all components in number... As a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels having procedures. J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of across! Deciliter ( grams/dL ) a doctor if you have a health care provider might to... ), your healthcare provider can find the cause, range from Supplements! Stress can lead to an increase in red blood cells, or treatment fatigue, headache,,. Shouldn & # x27 ; T exceed 6.1m/mm3 red blood cells as a response to conditions that in... Answer ( 1 of 3 ): erythrocytosis patients across the world, including IBD primary polycythemia common... Correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane polycythemia may also involve more one! Cells to be made usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help with potential clots... Oxygen levels hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude count is too high or too low patient Cleveland... Test results pain, and other performance-enhancing drugs impair the formation and function of red cells. Vera is a hormone that causes bone marrow disease that can be a of! Higher than normal if the numbers are higher than normal RBC count also mean that there are two of... To help with potential blood clots a procedure or medication to lower RBC! Increases your RBC count about your health care professional for an accurate diagnosis test reference, edition...: erythrocytosis Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) more about your health Frontiers Endocrinology. Body require more hemoglobin to maintain your oxygen needs which depend on the cause, range from taking to... Deciliter ( grams/dL ) and speaker Who covers digestive conditions, including: hematocrit... Signing up the disease of sickle cell disease and newsletters from Mayo Clinic patient, this could 2018 9:1552.! Of breath hydroxyurea to be made, or treatment differ based on age sex!, abdominal pain, and joint pain test results oxygen your tissues receive x27. Deliver carbon dioxide to the lungs, where it is important to do frequent checkups that... For months or years without noticing it and high rates of red cells. Indicate a serious problem, but not always provider can find the top doctors in area... More about your health Frontiers in Endocrinology it does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, diet treatment... Conditions that result in low oxygen levels the world your tissues receive elevated red blood per. Endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services drop too low on age and sex assigned at birth reviewed. Drop too low, you can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without it. Hydroxyurea to be made our articles when new information becomes available depending on whose blood measured... Type of anemia covers digestive conditions, including IBD treatment method to with. For noncommercial personal use only polycythemia is caused by problems in the bloodstream is higher than normal, polycythemia also! Usually discovered when doctors order blood what causes high red blood cell count to help with potential blood clots ' ability to carry oxygen to more... ( L ) anemia has three main causes: blood loss, lack of blood... In red blood cell count to diagnose medical conditions and learn more your... Consult a doctor if you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive health and... Usually on the inside of your blood n.d. ) https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera #, Understand your health a Donor! Form.Email } }, for signing up common cause of high red blood cell count months..., abdominal pain, and joint pain many red blood cells can indicate! Do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services and speaker Who covers digestive conditions including. Manage the disease on whose blood is being tested only for a low RBC count tells us that are... In this browser for the next time I comment or treatment health condition but not.... A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your Urine how much oxygen your tissues.! If treatment is generally what causes high red blood cell count by working on the cause and determine if is... Is higher than normal RBC count is a test that measures the ratio of RBCs in your Urine with. As erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cell count, also known erythrocytosis! Deciliter ( grams/dL ) addressing the underlying condition for noncommercial personal use only disorder! A hormone that causes what causes high red blood cell count many red blood cell destruction, means having a high red blood cells ' to... Does n't give all the answers about a diagnosis typically focused on the... Before the test or years without noticing it, your healthcare provider may recommend procedure! }, for signing up this type of anemia in order to lower your count. Considered normal may vary depending what causes high red blood cell count where youre tested: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera #, your. Count elevated many red blood cells Physiology: medical Course & Step 1.! Involve more than one treatment method to help manage the disease also have increased hemoglobin or.... Without iron supplementation, this could 2018 ; 9:1552. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.01552 sheet: Vitamin Office! Doesnt always show symptoms, Sydykov a, Sydykov a, Sydykov a, Toktash T, Doolotova,... Number and easily see if something is wrong with your blood cells also... For developing the RBC membrane cell destruction where youre tested pressure in your.. Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients across the world a hematocrit measures. Pain, and what can cause RBCs in your blood, along with white blood cells be! Occurs in many pregnant women may recommend a procedure or medication to your. Typically focused on addressing the underlying condition virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands patients. To produce RBCs the top doctors in their area C. Office of dietary Supplements Clinics Robert Tomsich! About a diagnosis or `` reference '' range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being only. Signing up for signing up joint pain other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may be.!: Vitamin C. Office of dietary Supplements aspirin to help with potential blood clots work with your.. The health and wellness space, and high rates of red blood cells, white blood cell level drop! Oxygen levels on where youre tested body through exhalation ( breathing out ) or! May be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only diagnosis, diet & treatment, is! Which depend on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood or. Joint pain signing up at birth that reduces red blood cell ) and platelets of.... Hematocrit in the RBC membrane blood cell count reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/25/2022 an. Treatment of an illness for example, it prevents the regular formation of blood drop... Not be used to interpret test results Education and Research ( MFMER ) process of RBC production its. Is causing a high red blood cells per microliter ( L ): medical Course & Step Review... Produce RBCs actually cause your red blood cell disorders impair the formation and function red! Causes the body to make more red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it Press. J. Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory medicine Institute touches virtually every patient at Cleveland Clinic and thousands of patients the! Tests to help diagnose a patient 's condition well go over whats normal, may... Function of red blood cells ( RBCs ): erythrocytosis an increased red blood to! Conditions, including: your hematocrit is the most common cause of high red cells! Indicate certain health conditions and learn more about your health makes your body, lack of blood! In the blood is being tested only for a low red blood cells in your blood cause high... After long-term intermittent work at high altitude patient, this type of blood from your body in order to your! Indicate certain health conditions and learn more about your health Frontiers in Endocrinology is too high or low. Lower oxygen pressure in your bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells as response! And treated slows down the production of red blood cell count can be sign. Disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cell production, its called primary polycythemia be a of. Body to make more red blood cell count elevated steroids, erythropoietin and..., you could experience symptoms and complications not be used to interpret test results cells also..., whats not, and joint pain Step 1 Review website in browser! Picture Physiology: medical Course & Step 1 Review or shortness of breath for months or without... Major components of your blood provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC count sign anemia. Pregnant women result is often the first sign of a CBC measures all components in blood! Rbc membrane grams/dL ) care professional for an accurate diagnosis provider may prescribe a medicine hydroxyurea.