Table of Contents
- 1 What can happen if you have high red blood cells?
- 2 What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count?
- 3 What diseases cause large red blood cells?
- 4 How can I lower my red blood cell count quickly?
- 5 What does it mean if your red blood cell count is too high?
- 6 Does high red blood cell count indicate cancer?
What can happen if you have high red blood cells?
A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots.
What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count?
High red blood cell count may be caused by low oxygen levels, kidney disease or other problems.
What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count?
If you have a high RBC count, you could experience symptoms such as:
- fatigue.
- shortness of breath.
- joint pain.
- tenderness in the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
- itching skin, particularly after a shower or bath.
- sleep disturbance.
Why would red blood cells be high?
A high RBC count may be a result of sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, and other conditions that cause low oxygen levels in the blood. Performance-enhancing drugs like protein injections and anabolic steroids can also increase RBCs. Kidney disease and kidney cancers can lead to high RBC counts as well.
What diseases cause large red blood cells?
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- Vitamin B-12 deficiency.
- Folate deficiency.
- Liver disease.
- Alcoholism.
- Hypothyroidism.
- A side effect of certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer, seizures and autoimmune disorders.
- Increased red blood cell production by the bone marrow to correct anemia, for example, after blood loss.
How can I lower my red blood cell count quickly?
High RBC Count Treatment
- Exercise to improve your heart and lung function.
- Eat less red meat and iron-rich foods.
- Avoid iron supplements.
- Keep yourself well hydrated.
- Avoid diuretics, including coffee and caffeinated drinks, which can dehydrate you.
- Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.
Is high MCV serious?
If the MCV goes up to an extreme of 125, it may indicate vitamin B12, folate deficiencies, or cold agglutinin disease. A higher MCV value indicates that the red blood cells are larger than the average size.
What effect does a high red blood cell count have on the body?
Increased probability of blood clots (impending danger of heart attack or stroke). Slowed blood flow also prevents enough oxygen-rich blood from reaching your organs. This can lead to angina (chest pain or discomfort) and heart failure. The high levels of red blood cells can lead to stomach ulcers, gout,…
What does it mean if your red blood cell count is too high?
A high red blood cell count may indicate a range of conditions. For example, it could mean there is a problem with a person’s heart, lung, or kidney function. Sometimes it occurs because the bone marrow is producing abnormally high amounts of red blood cells or because the red blood cells are aren’t carrying as much oxygen as they should.
Does high red blood cell count indicate cancer?
A high red blood cell count (erythrocytosis) may occur, even though anemia is common early on with kidney cancer. This occurs due to the production by the cancer cells of the protein that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.
What causes elevated red blood cell count?
A high red blood cell count, also called polycythemia , can be caused by poor circulation to the kidneys, genetic heart problems, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis.