What if RBC is High?
A high red blood cell count, also known as erythrocytosis, means your blood is thicker than normal. This increases your risk of blood clots and can indicate underlying health problems.
When your RBC (red blood cell) count is elevated, it's called erythrocytosis. This condition makes your blood thicker, increasing the risk of blood clots. The increased viscosity can also slow blood flow. This thickening of the blood is a key consequence of elevated RBC levels. This can lead to serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis.
Potential Causes of High RBC Count:
- Underlying Medical Conditions: A high RBC count can signal various diseases, including certain cancers, lung or heart conditions, and even liver disease like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is cited as a possible cause.
- Genetic Factors: In some cases, a rare genetic mutation can cause the body to produce an excessive number of red blood cells. Genetic mutations can play a role.
- Dehydration: Sometimes, a high RBC count can be a simple indicator of dehydration, as the relative concentration of RBCs increases in a smaller volume of blood plasma. Dehydration can artificially inflate RBC counts.
- Medications or other factors: A high RBC count may also be a secondary effect of certain medications or other health conditions. A secondary cause is a possibility as well.
Symptoms:
Symptoms can vary but may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
Importance of Diagnosis and Treatment
A high RBC count requires medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Treatment focuses on addressing the root problem, which might involve medication, lifestyle changes, or other interventions depending on the diagnosis.
