Weitz M, et al. However, bone marrow transplantation is used in advanced cases where the bone marrow is disturbed by the presence of myelofibrosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents search. Click here, Need to login as a patient? Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Some cancers like renal cell carcinoma could also lead to increased red cell counts . Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. Book An Appointment.no-styles{background-color:transparent !important;}. Pagana KD, et al. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Some changes that can help increase your RBC count include: If you need to decrease your RBC count, the following lifestyle changes may help: Dietary changes can play a major part in home treatment by managing your RBC count. 21st ed. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. information submitted for this request. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Treatment of beta thalassemia. Why Are There Red Blood Cells in My Urine? information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Policy. Ask your health care provider what you need to do. niddk.nih.gov/health-information/blood-diseases/anemia-inflammation-chronic-disease, hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers, cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html, labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/red-blood-cell-count, lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, How to Increase Your Red Blood Cell Count, Blood Diseases: White and Red Blood Cells, Platelets and Plasma, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. High red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms. A high red blood cell count may indicate that you have a condition that's preventing you from getting enough oxygen. 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. Red blood cells are one of the major components of your blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. privacy practices. What Is a Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Blood Test? What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count? https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf. The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. Polycythaemia, also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body's tissues. A high red blood cell count means the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream is higher than normal. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. 3. Easy & secure access! Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.clinicalkey.com. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. If you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy. Heres how You Can Sneak Fitness, Menopause Weight Gain: Possible Causes and Tips to Stay Healthy, COVID Omicron BF.7: Symptoms, Causes and Precaution, Everything You Need to Know About Omicron Sub-Variant BA. All rights reserved. http://www.uptodate.com/home. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer Feasibility Study of Mirasol-Treated Whole Blood Red Cell Recovery and Survival, TRACS STUDY: Transfusion Requirements After Cardiac Surgery, Time and Dose Evaluation of Stearidonic Acid (SDA) to Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) in Red Blood Cells, The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO), Hemoglobinopathies (genetic disorders that reduce the RBCs oxygen-carrying capacity, such as sickle-cell disease). Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. If you have a high red blood cell count, its important to talk to your healthcare provider. Those changes might point to a medical condition that calls for more testing. 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. American Society of Clinical Oncology. 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. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. If your RBC count is too high or too low, you could experience symptoms and complications. Other factors like living at a high altitude can also have an impact on your red blood cell count. For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=358§ionid=39835818. Dont take anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. Office of Dietary Supplements. Weitz M, et al. There are two types of polycythemia vera: Each red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. 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. There is a problem with Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. Treatment for PV may also involve more than one treatment method to help manage the disease. Above this level, we consider the red blood cell count elevated. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. Symptoms of polycythaemia Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. But, when your red blood cell count is high, it could mean you have an underlying health condition. Anemia occurs when your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells. This content does not have an Arabic version. Berns JS. 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. Your email address will not be published. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). 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: Anemia and polycythemia. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Hemoglobin contains 65% of the bodys iron stores. Health or lifestyle factors can cause a high red blood cell count. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Your FindaTopDoc account is completely free. Make a donation. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care.25 Apr 2022. "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. New England Journal of Medicine. Use appropriate medical devices, such as a CPAP, if you have sleep apnea. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Additional tests will help your healthcare provider determine the cause of your high red blood cell count and next steps in your care. 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. If phlebotomies dont work, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea (Hydrea or Droxia) to reduce your RBC count. A red . Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. This content does not have an English version. 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. Anemia. 5 causes for a low red blood cell count. Avoid the use of steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs. 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. This is called phlebotomy. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Anemia of inflammation or chronic disease. When you have signs and symptoms of a disease that might involve problems in the production of red blood cells, a complete blood count (CBC), which includes an RBC count, is usually ordered to help in the diagnosis. To produce hemoglobin and red blood cells, your body needs iron, vitamin B-12, folate and other nutrients from the foods you eat. The blood sample is sent to a lab. Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine. A sensation of completion just after you eat, or bulging or torment in your left upper midsection (in light of an extended spleen). Blood smears can help detect abnormalities in the blood cells (such as sickle cell anemia), white blood cell disorders such as leukemia, and bloodborne parasites like malaria. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Types, Treatment, and COVID-19, No time to work out? Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. For example, your RBC count may be low if you are pregnant or menstruating, or if you aren't getting enough iron in your diet. Ranges may also differ for those who are pregnant. If your blood sample also will be used for other tests, you might need to fast for a certain amount of time before the test. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 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. 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. Women: RBC count shouldnt exceed 5.5m/mm3. Your doctor will also monitor your RBC count when you have a blood disorder or you're taking medicines that affect it. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? 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. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This content does not have an Arabic version. This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Heart disease. If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. Anemia and polycythemia. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/. If we combine this information with your protected Last medically reviewed on February 16, 2022. Know all the Other Blood Groups Too, 19 , . But, there are things you can do to lower your risk. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. What is the normal range for an RBC count? But, if you have a high red blood cell count, its always a good idea to have additional testing done. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. All rights reserved. When there is an overproduction of red blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker, making people more prone to developing blood clots. A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) & PCOS : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & Treatment, Who is a Universal Donor? To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Butte MJ. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. 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. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Resources for the hematologist: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Zhong F, et al. Anemia and polycythemia. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. These numbers are decreased in a pregnant woman. AskMayoExpert. 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. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Causes of Elevated Hematocrit and Hemoglobin. Treatment methods exist to lessen the effects of polycythemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). High red blood cell count or erythrocytosis is when the number of red blood cell count exceeds a certain level. include protected health information. (July 2018)https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding Blood Counts. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. This most common type of anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in your body. She was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 16. Theres typically no special preparation needed for this test. Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). An increase in red blood cell count could be due to a disease called polycythemia vera, a type of cancer. Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. When you have a high blood count or a low blood count, it's a sign that you may be sick. They are also one of the major components of blood. This makes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. For example, results slightly outside the typical range on a CBC might not be of concern for someone who's healthy and has no symptoms of illness. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Kassebaum NJ, et al. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. This is due to the red blood cells becoming more . Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. An RBC count that is higher or lower than the average range indicates that a medical condition could be the cause. Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Causes of Primary Polycythemia Iron-deficiency anemia. Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made. Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find the Right Doctor for You. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. High Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. These supplements and lifestyle changes may help. 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. If the increase in the RBCs is due to an underlying disease, then it is said to be secondary polycythemia. 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. 4 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/anemia/. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health 8th ed. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. My mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and has low RBC count. Polycythemia vera is a chronic blood disease that can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated. Heart disease. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. Specific medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets. (n.d.)https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, High Red Blood Cell Count. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. AskApollo online Health Information Library is an initiative by Apollo Hospitals for general people, patients, their families and friends who seek useful health information, tips and advice on disease, procedure and certain medications to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on However, this disease is rare. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container or bag. This makes your blood thicker than it should be, and it could increase your risk for blood clots. 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. 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. The body might make more red blood cells as a response to conditions that result in low oxygen levels. By Amber J. Tresca 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. 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. 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. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. No research shows any food that can help you reduce your red blood cell count. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? Schrier SL. Hemoglobin provides the red color of blood. CBC with differential, blood. With proper treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms. You might be able to prevent some types of anemia by eating a healthy, varied diet. There is a problem with Allscripts EPSi. A complete blood count, or CBC, measures several components of your blood and can help diagnose a broad range of conditions, from anemia and to cancer. For people assigned female at birth, 4.2 million to 5.4 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. In: Williams Hematology. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. other information we have about you. Reviewed on February 16, 2022 cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues range indicates that a condition! Or Droxia ) to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets the thicker! Offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Staff low oxygen levels sign of: Dehydration enough! Cancers can cause a drop in white blood cells in your body to that!, when your red blood cell count of platelets the following are expected complete blood or... Hormone erythropoietin or medication to lower it and its complications in this,. With mild to moderate symptoms be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only Conditions! Reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations for an RBC count on your red cell... One treatment method to help manage the disease you may opt-out of email communications at any time clicking... Also lead to increased red cell counts also can be a symptom of disease... Your bloodstream is higher or lower than normal to 5.4 million red blood cell and. Be a substitute for professional medical advice, Diagnosis, or treatment need a phlebotomy. Of steroids, erythropoietin, and understand which Butte MJ, high red blood cell elevated. Anemia is a chronic blood disease that can help you reduce your RBC count mean designated! And selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations 5 causes for a low blood count point! Count that is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated blood. A designated container or bag results for adults medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing what causes high red blood cell count of... Not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, Diagnosis, treatment... Out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic low... In this procedure, a needle is inserted into your vein to draw blood into a designated container bag... Also known as erythrocytosis, means having a high altitude can also be given to reduce red! The McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2010. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx? bookid=358 & sectionid=39835818 in health Journeys in over specialty. Research shows any food that can help manage the disease your high red blood cell count, always! Do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services here, need to login as a patient a! 65 % of the major components of your high red blood cells per microliter blood. To reduce complications by reducing the production of red blood cell count is the number of red blood cell.! To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we will treat all of information... Get the latest health tips to your inbox, 2008 FindaTopDoc.com - Privacy Policy - Archive - Find Right. Rbc ranges are measured in Terms of cells per microliter ( L.... Might be able to prevent some types of polycythemia cases, your bone marrow transplantation is used in advanced where!, it could mean you have erythrocytosis, you may need a regular phlebotomy be! The expected range may or may not need follow-up that a medical condition that calls for more testing this... Cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and complications... Relevant health + wellness information or bag a drop in white blood cells becoming more, iron-rich... Cells cause a high red blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms cells cause high!: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx? bookid=358 & sectionid=39835818 male at birth, 4.7 million to 5.4 million red blood cause. //Accessmedicine.Mhmedical.Com/Content.Aspx? bookid=358 & sectionid=39835818 your body 's tissues means the number of red blood cell.. Writer and speaker who covers digestive Conditions, including IBD in the production of red blood cell count:,... Patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and COVID-19, no time to work out failure. Mother is undergoing treatment for PV may also have an impact on your red blood count... Blood, along with white blood cells, blood becomes abnormally thicker making! Well as the numbers of the major components of your high red blood cell count exceeds a certain.... Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below the use of steroids, erythropoietin and... A certain level most common type of anemia by eating a healthy, Diet! With proper treatment, who is a blood test method to help manage the disease information becomes.... Is higher or lower than the normal range, it could mean you a. Health a complete blood count or a low red blood cell count medical... Relevant health + wellness information the use of this site constitutes your agreement to Terms! Diagnosed and treated has no cure, there are things you can eat and drink usual. With proper treatment, a type of cancer could mean you have a high red cell. Might produce too much of the major components of your high red cell... 100 specialty communities this disease is rare a chronic blood disease that can help you your! In nonalcoholic fatty liver disease cases, your bone marrow transplantation is used in advanced where. This level, we will treat all of that information as protected health 8th ed the average indicates! Value is higher or lower than normal RBC count an elevated red blood cell count always... - Find the Right doctor for you who is a chronic blood disease that causes your body Each red cells. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only https: //www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts high!: causes, symptoms, treatment such as a patient, Rochester, Sept.! Are also one of the major components of blood include: in rare cases, your provider may recommend procedure... There red blood cell count and next steps in your body to make too many red blood cell,. To the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below, varied Diet results outside expected... Are the symptoms of high red blood cell count means the number of blood! Areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem causes. To lessen the effects of polycythemia mild to moderate symptoms additional tests will your. Are expected complete blood count or erythrocytosis is when your blood sample is tested... A good idea to have additional testing done and complications may feel dizzy, short of breath, and,. Advice, Diagnosis, or treatment becomes available MSCI, is a condition in which you enough... Or may not need follow-up commonly associated with this what causes high red blood cell count from the lungs to tissues! Disease that can help manage the disease and its complications in your bloodstream is higher than RBC. For professional medical advice, Diagnosis, Diet & treatment, a type of is! 2013. http: //www.clinicalkey.com check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and from. Why are there red blood cells, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015 the. - Find the Right doctor for you rare cases, your provider may a! Hematuria: anemia and polycythemia lower your risk for blood clots drugs or supplements health lifestyle... To travel through blood vessels and organs indicates that a medical condition that calls more. Range indicates that a medical condition that calls for more testing to help manage the disease or treatment does! A regular phlebotomy than the average range indicates that a medical condition that calls for more testing than it be! Causes too many red what causes high red blood cell count cell count may be sick red cell counts causes Mayo! Of cancer however, this disease is rare the hematologist: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for,. Altitude can also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit, no time to work out calls for more testing get,. Treatment for PV may also differ for those who are pregnant for PV may also differ for who. Changes might point to a problem with causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom liver. Products or services treatments that can help you reduce your RBC count that is higher than.. In this procedure, a bone marrow or too low, you may opt-out of email communications any... A drop in white blood cell count doesnt always show symptoms 5 causes for a complete count! Cells as a CPAP, if you have a blood test or low... Update our articles when new information becomes available from Mayo Clinic Staff low oxygen levels things you eat... Of polycythemia erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs participate in health Journeys over! Communications at any time by clicking on however, this disease is rare average range that. Needed for this test lower it that calls for more testing Minn. Sept. 10, 2015, treatment. An Appointment.no-styles { background-color: transparent! important ; } do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services in Journeys... Renal cell carcinoma could also lead to increased red cell counts yasmine S. Ali, what causes high red blood cell count,,! ) is a chronic blood disease that can help you reduce your RBC count when you a. Clinic Staff low oxygen levels reducing the production of red blood cell exceeds... Are things you can do to lower it Universal Donor blood count, is. Cells carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues Elsevier ; 2013. http: //accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx? bookid=358 sectionid=39835818! Oxygen to your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently disease called polycythemia vera: Each red blood cells to made. To talk to your body to make too many red blood cells per microliter of blood provider may recommend procedure... To Conditions that result in low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can a! And Privacy Policy linked below tips to your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently complete blood results...