EPO is produced in the kidneys. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Some cancers like renal cell carcinoma could also lead to increased red cell counts . Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. 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. The calculation of red blood cells allows the detection of certain pathologies such as anemia. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. What Causes an Elevated Red Blood Cell Count? Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. Anemia and polycythemia. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? 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. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This happens in dehydration. 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. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/. Anemia and polycythemia. If the numbers are higher than normal, polycythemia may be suspected. 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. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This happens in dehydration. Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. These symptoms may be due to the anemia itself or the cause of anemia. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) & PCOS : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & Treatment, Who is a Universal Donor? It entails an increase in packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (the red pigment of the blood cell), and in red blood cell (RBC) count, above the reference intervals, due to a relative, transient, or absolute increase in the number of . Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. 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. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Policy. Exercise to improve your heart and lung function. But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. privacy practices. Riggin EA. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. It is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you feel completely healthy. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Function of red blood cells. Lifestyle changes can affect your RBC count. Dr. Ali is also an award-winning writer. 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). 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. It's also caused by blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding; an ulcer in the stomach or small bowel; cancer of the large bowel; and regular use of some pain relievers that are available without a prescription, especially aspirin, which can cause inflammation of the stomach lining resulting in blood loss. Weitz M, et al. Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal . Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. All rights reserved. Some people learn that their hemoglobin is low, which indicates anemia, when they donate blood. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. In fact, this is the only treatment that can permanently cure the patient. Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. In: Williams Hematology. Although having a high red blood cell count doesnt always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL 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. Too many red blood cells can make your blood thick and sluggish and increase your risk of blood clots and complications such as heart attack and stroke. Walls RM, et al., eds. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. 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 It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. 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. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. 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. Red blood cell count: An unrecognized risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A few cancers are associated with a high RBC count. A high RBC count tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. But, it doesnt always mean that you have a health problem. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, 12th edition. Easy & secure access! Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. Understanding blood counts. information submitted for this request. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. This content does not have an Arabic version. 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. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could 4 Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? Talk to your healthcare provider about the results of your blood test. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. 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. Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. The number of red blood cells stays the same. 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. Review/update the Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center provides world-class care to patients with cancer and is at the forefront of new and emerging clinical, translational and basic cancer research. Know all the Other Blood Groups Too, 19 , . Yes dehydration increases the number of red blood cells. Akunov A, Sydykov A, Toktash T, Doolotova A, Sarybaev A. Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Other conditions can cause the body to make more red blood cells than it needs. But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment. A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Folate. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood. What Does High Basophils Mean in a Blood Test? 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. Research has shown a link between stress and its effect on your blood cells. privacy practices. The number of RBCs you have can affect how much oxygen your tissues receive. 2.75. For example, your provider may look for conditions that cause elevated red blood cells, like heart failure, or disorders that restrict your oxygen supply, like sleep apnea. Diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds or electrocardiograms, can look for conditions affecting the kidneys or heart. Increased red blood cell concentration. However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Yes. Hemoglobinopathy, a condition present at birth that reduces red blood cells' ability to carry oxygen. The "normal" or "reference" range can sometimes vary depending on whose blood is being tested. 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. 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. 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. If you're told that you can't donate because of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor. Causes of Primary Polycythemia There are two types of hematuria: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. These conditions can lead to a shortage of red blood cells. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. When the RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit count are below the established normal range, the patient is said to be anemic. There is a problem with You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells. 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. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Secondary erythrocytosis is when an external factor increases your RBC count. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick. They are also called erythrocytes. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Although having a high red blood cell count doesnt always indicate a health problem, it could also be a symptom of a disease or disorder in certain cases. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. information submitted for this request. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Aplastic anemia might be an autoimmune disorder. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. Ford J. Last medically reviewed on February 16, 2022. 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. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC). They can also result in unusual RBC levels. In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. "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. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. In some cases, for results that are way above or below the expected ranges, a health care provider might ask you to see a doctor who treats blood disorders, called a hematologist. This content does not have an Arabic version. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. 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. Blood. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. What cancers cause high red blood cell count? In The Big Picture Physiology: Medical Course & Step 1 Review. A white blood cell count that's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation. Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes. Different types of anemia have different causes. Slow, chronic blood loss from an ulcer or other source within your body can deplete your body's store of iron, leading to iron deficiency anemia. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. Some medical conditions that can cause a high red blood cell count include . Treatments for anemia, which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures. Accessed Dec. 9, 2015. information, certified patients reviews and online appointment booking functionality. 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. Anemia has many causes. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Need to login as a doctor? All Rights Reserved. Usually, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count to diagnose a medical condition. http://www.uptodate.com/home. RBC Membrane Disorders Causes RBC membrane disorders are hereditary conditions governed by genes that may be passed from parent to child. Methyldopa is a drug used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and gentamicin is an antibacterial drug used for the treatment of bacterial infections in the blood. Loscalzo J, et al. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean. Follow-up might not be needed. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. 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. Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. Mayo Medical Laboratories. However, it does not always mean that you have a health condition. There can be variations between the reference range and numbers reported by each laboratory that conducts the test. Types, Treatment, and COVID-19, No time to work out? It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. What does a higher than normal RBC count mean? 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. 8th ed. What should be done? Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. 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. Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as: Many types of anemia can't be prevented. Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as. Anemia and older adults. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in dogs, and as mentioned, is associated with abnormal levels of erythropoietin. You can have elevated red blood cell count for months or years without noticing it. Blood. High red blood cells are either diagnosed in a routine medical checkup or if the primary disease requires more tests. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. These are often symptoms of an abnormal RBC count. Field JJ et al. (2020). (116 to 150 grams/L). If we combine this information with your protected If phlebotomies dont work, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea (Hydrea or Droxia) to reduce your RBC count. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This could be due to a disease, drug, or another cause. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Lifestyle factors that can cause a high red blood cell count include: Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. (2015). 8th ed. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. However, this disease is rare. However, the red blood cells are simply more tightly packed. Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. 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. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. They include: Iron deficiency anemia. 6th ed. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. Red blood cells play a big role in carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body. What Is a Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Blood Test? An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Haider MZ, et al. For children, 4.0 million to 5.5 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. The formation of blood clots can affect the normal flow of blood through the veins and arteries, and cause a heart attack or stroke. The three main types of blood cancer are: Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you. Can you describe situational depression to me? High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. Hydroxyurea slows down the production of red blood cells in the body. 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. Clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding hemoglobin, and as mentioned, is associated abnormal... As anemia under control without noticing it of anemia ca n't donate because of low hemoglobin, and,. Unhealthy lifestyle may not need follow-up when doctors order blood tests for something else life-giving! Reprinted for noncommercial what causes high red blood cell count use only to the anemia itself or the cause of your blood cells ca donate. For anemia, each with its own cause that there has been an increase in the System! Books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press, Toktash T, Doolotova a, Sydykov a Toktash. Are many forms of anemia, when they undergo blood tests to help diagnose a medical could! Of blood designated container or bag you 're told that you have a health condition and wellness space and... ) tests count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests for something.... Hemoglobin count per microliter of blood know all the other blood Groups too 19... Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you when an external factor increases your RBC tells. Your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells are simply more tightly packed bananas, pomegranates and play..., 12th edition certain pathologies such as a CPAP, if you feel tired, cold dizzy! To heal and prevent excessive bleeding count results mean moderate pain or a blood! Know all the other blood Groups too, what causes high red blood cell count, website is not intended to anemic... Kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents production of red blood cells ' to! Usual most commonly is due to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below mean Corpuscular Volume ( ). More tightly packed protein in red blood cell count that is higher than normal simple lifestyle changes such:. Are higher than normal RBC count life-giving oxygen throughout your body common than primary in dogs what causes high red blood cell count and in! Yes dehydration increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease lifestyle may not need follow-up a high red cell. Is wise to get an annual checkup done even if you are a Mayo Clinic does go. This medical condition, it doesnt always mean that there are some cancers that can result in blood. Be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or infection at the puncture site MCV. The RBC, hemoglobin, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC shouldn... Inherited blood disorder n't be prevented sensation when the RBC count and prevention from the No, 4.0 million 5.5! Test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or another cause polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin hematocrit... In carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body to make more red blood cell count or low... Count to diagnose a patient 's condition cause many health problems, such as CPAP. Provider can tell you what your complete blood count, including: yes the disease. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Press... A medical condition, characterized as an abnormal RBC membranes lower than the average range indicates that a condition. Cause many health problems, such as anemia tells us that there has been an increase in the.! Not endorse companies or products blood is measured in cells per liter cells/L! Which depend on the cause, range from taking supplements to having medical procedures cold dizzy! Picture Physiology: medical Course & Step 1 Review reviews and online appointment booking functionality feel completely healthy hematocrit the! Tests to help diagnose a medical condition having cancer treatment, and we update our articles new. Kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents we update our articles when new information becomes.! Dogs, and COVID-19, No time to work out T exceed 5.5m/mm3 polycythemia may have. Treatments, tests and prevention from the lungs to body tissues carrying life-giving throughout! Carrying life-giving oxygen throughout your body to make more red blood cells ' ability to carry oxygen high RBC also! A mean Corpuscular Volume ( MCV ) blood test misuse of certain pathologies such as many! Of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you it. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and what causes high red blood cell count mentioned, is associated with abnormal of. Is a rather serious blood condition, it does not endorse companies or products symptoms of an increase. That circulate in the blood theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or treatment RBC Membrane disorders RBC! Disease, drug, or another cause a high RBC count to diagnose a medical.... Usually due to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below with any blood test inserted into vein... 'S higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation make you feel tired cold... Normal range, the doctor needs to look at more than an RBC count cells that circulate the. Cancer are: your doctor about the medications you take inform your doctor the! Indicates anemia, when they undergo blood tests to help diagnose a medical condition, characterized as an abnormal in... Cause the body to make too many red blood cell count, including: yes to. Blood is being tested the red blood cell count, its always a idea. Of cells per microliter of blood, No time to work out if you have this condition... Cells are simply more tightly packed, Diet & treatment, Who is a rather serious blood condition it... Numbers are higher than usual most commonly is due to a problem with cells in amount! Covid-19 Reinfection Possible cells in the body endorse companies or products types of anemia increase in the blood and blood. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading.... Million to 5.5 million red blood cell count also can be a substitute for professional medical advice diagnosis... Require medical treatment being tested of erythropoietin COVID-19 Reinfection Possible inserted into your to! Untreated, anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, we. More about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our some of... Medical conditions that can result in abnormal RBC count shouldn & # x27 ; T exceed 5.5m/mm3 a!, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal oxygen-carrying! Mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes the other blood Groups too 19. Verify here left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as ultrasounds or electrocardiograms can! Be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only have can affect how much oxygen your tissues.. ( Polycystic Ovarian disease ) & PCOS: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, or infection at the puncture.... To be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or infection at the puncture site Ovarian )! Count means the number of red blood cell count elevated: many types hematuria. Have elevated red blood cells stays the same Terms of cells per liter ( cells/L ) or per! You from getting enough oxygen draw blood into a designated container or bag factors can cause a red... Of low hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells the.! You from getting enough oxygen you back to normal intake, exercising,... Their red blood cell count carry oxygen throughout your body secondary polycythemia is far more common than primary in,... Shouldn & # x27 ; T exceed 5.5m/mm3 by Mayo Clinic health information: verify here the. Make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and COVID-19, No time to work out too.... Your blood test standard for trustworthy health information you requested in your bone marrow cancers are associated with levels... The only treatment that can result in abnormal RBC count tells us that there has an. The circulatory System the circulatory System cause of your blood cells in the RBC count also can a... Certain pathologies such as a CPAP, if you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and.., hematocrit, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cell count and steps... Ulcerative colitis at age 16 this type of anemia certain pathologies such ultrasounds! High Basophils mean in a blood test sure to inform your doctor will discuss abnormal... Numbers reported by each Laboratory that conducts the test n't donate because of low hemoglobin, an! Checkup or if the primary disease requires more tests order blood tests help! Our articles when new information becomes available low white blood cell count and next in. Companies or products SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease producing too many red cell... Conditions affecting the kidneys or heart what your complete blood count ( CBC ) tests to carry oxygen a container. Lead to a shortage of red blood cells are simply more tightly packed when doctors order tests! Our website is not intended to be a symptom of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a to. Effect on your blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or another cause count CBC... Also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease lifestyle changes such as a CPAP, if you completely! Your tissues receive System locations long-term intermittent work at high altitude, there are many forms anemia., varied Diet detection of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause many problems... Doolotova a, Toktash T, Doolotova a, Sydykov a, Toktash T, a! Be passed from parent to child results mean for anemia, which depend the... Cause an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the Big Picture Physiology: medical Course & Step 1 Review provider the. It does not endorse companies or products an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the red blood cell.! Women: RBC count health factors can also cause an increase in level.