What causes an elevation in RBC count?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am male, 31 years old, had a CBC test, and results showed elevated RBCs as below. But I have no other symptoms, actually taken test to investigate alopecia problem.

ESR 15, WBC 5.54*10 ^3 cells/microlitre, neutrophils 2.34, lymphocytes 2.24, monocytes 0.697, eosinophils 0.184, basophils 0.8, RBC 7.17* 10 ^6 cells/microlitre, HGB 13.3, HCT 42.6, MCV 59.4, MCH 18.5, MCHC 31.1, RDW 13.6, PLT 269*10 ^3 cells/microlitre, MPV 8.96 fl.

After four months of alopecia problem resolved and had further tests to investigate the elevated RBCs. Took CBC, liver, and kidney function tests. WBC 5.12, neutrophils 2.58, lymphocytes 1.73, monocytes 0.39, eosinophils 4.3, basophils 1, RBC 6.61, HGB 12.4, HCT 39.2, MCV 59.4, MCH 18.7, MCHC 31.5, RDW 16.2, PLT 197, MPV 9.1, glucose 93.2 mg/dl, BUN 10.7 mg/dl, cretainine 1.03 mg/dl, NA 1.41 mmol/L, K 3.90 mmol/L, CL 104.4 mmol/L, AST 29.8 U/L, ALT 43 U/L, T-BILL 0.855 mg/dl, D-BILL 0.359 mg/dl, TP 7.78 g/dl, cholesterol 121.1 mg/dl, TGL 190.4 mg/dl, LDL 80.6 mg/dl, HDL 24.8 mg/dl, iron 123.48 ug/dl, CA 9.09 mg/dl, UA 6.1 mg/dl.

Could you please advise and provide consultation? Please provide any diet recommendations. Is there any harm to have elevated RBCs with no symptoms? My WBC is on the lower side and RBC is on the higher side. Is it normal?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The borderline hemoglobin level, low MCV, and high red blood cells count are suggestive of some hemoglobinopathy. You need to investigate further with HB electrophoresis by HPLC method to rule out any hemoglobinopathy if present. You need to drink lots of water to prevent dehydration which is also a causative factor for high red blood cells count.

You can take green leafy vegetables and fruits more. Do not take fatty foods in excess amount because your triglyceride level is high. No need for any medication just now. You can revert back with HPLC report once done.