Mostly, polycythemia itself is a symptom of an underlying disease. The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO) The following are medical conditions that can cause high red blood cell (RBC) counts: Polycythemia Vera (PV) This rare blood disease develops when the body produces too many red blood cells (RBCs). Simple Facebook login. When polycythemia is caused by problems in the process of RBC production, its called primary polycythemia. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. Read our. 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. EPO is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs. Weitz M, et al. 8th ed. Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing iron intake, exercising regularly, quitting smoking can do the job and get you back to normal . other information we have about you. If you have blood cancers or chronic conditions that can affect RBC count, these lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). https://www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. 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. If you're told that you can't donate because of low hemoglobin, make an appointment with your doctor. When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. 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. Research has shown a link between stress and its effect on your blood cells. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Make a donation. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Understanding blood counts. 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. Click here, Need to login as a patient? If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. Another therapy for the condition is phlebotomy, through which the hematocrit level is reduced to normal levels by drawing blood out of the patient with a needle. With proper treatment, a person with polycythemia or elevated red blood cell count can live for many years with mild to moderate symptoms. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. If you have cancer, kidney failure or another chronic condition, you could be at risk of anemia of chronic disease. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL). This is usually due to a problem with cells in your bone marrow. Your guide to anemia. These ranges may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor. (n.d.)https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#, Understand your health Berns JS. See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. High red blood cell count can be caused by many factors like : Sometimes, a simple increase in the RBC level is possible, without it being polycythemia: smoking, obesity, hypertension, alcoholism, excessive stress can lead to an increase in this level. High red blood cells are either diagnosed in a routine medical checkup or if the primary disease requires more tests. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with There is a problem with Changes to these genes called mutations can result in abnormal RBC membranes. They have a protein called Hemoglobin that transports oxygen from our lungs to all body organs and brings carbon dioxide back to lungs, which is then exhaled. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Polycythemia is a rather serious blood condition, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. Function of red blood cells. All types of anemia require treatment. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Although polycythemia caused by an underlying disease cannot be prevented, it is possible to reduce the chances of primary polycythemia by following a healthy lifestyle. If phlebotomies dont work, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea (Hydrea or Droxia) to reduce your RBC count. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. If you live in a high-altitude city like Denver, your blood count will be far higher than people who live in low-altitude areas like the Gulf Coast. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC). Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. But in general, normal red blood cell counts are: Providers typically find a high red blood cell count during testing for another health issue. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Although the condition has no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the disease and its complications. Please consult your healthcare provider for the interpretation of your test results. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Hematologic aspects of parasitic diseases. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. Low RBC counts are those below 4.7 for men, 4.2 for women, and 4.1 for children. Accessed Oct. 26, 2022. Ford J. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. A red blood cell count that's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis. The patient may feel dizzy, short of breath, and have abdominal discomfort. Each red blood cell contains hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein. For example, it prevents the regular formation of blood clots. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Polycythemia resulting from an unhealthy lifestyle may not require medical treatment. There are two types of polycythemia vera: Youll need to see your provider regularly while taking hydroxyurea to be sure your red blood cell level doesnt drop too low. When to see a doctor PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) & PCOS : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet & Treatment, Who is a Universal Donor? information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Performance-enhancing drugs Certain drugs stimulate the production of red blood cells, including: Anabolic steroids Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production Increased red blood cell concentration For people assigned male at birth, 4.7 million to 6.1 million red blood cells per microliter of blood. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. These include: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It may be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in trillions of cells per liter (L) of blood. Get doctor-approved health tips, news, and more. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Anemia has many causes. Red blood cell counts also can be high in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Participate in Health Journeys in over 100 specialty communities. 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. Red blood cells (RBCs) might show up in a urine sample. It may also be performed before a surgery. According to the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, the test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC). 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Kassebaum NJ, et al. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. 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. CBC with differential, blood. privacy practices. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=358§ionid=39835818. High Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. 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. Polycythemia does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all. Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 10, 2015. 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 Of anemia of chronic disease or chronic conditions that can help manage the disease and its.... When polycythemia is caused by problems in the blood symptom of an underlying disease website not... 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