What does elevated red blood cells mean?

Have you ever had a blood test done and been told that your red blood cells are elevated? Immediately, you think to yourself, “Am I turning into the Hulk?” We understand that this can be a cause for concern, so let’s break down what elevated red blood cells actually mean.

First Thing’s First: What are Red Blood Cells?

Red blood cells (RBCs) or erythrocytes, as they’re commonly called by their scientific name (the more you know), are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to every part of your body. They also carry carbon dioxide back to your lungs so it can be exhaled. It’s like they’re little transport vehicles making sure everything is running smoothly in your body!

So, What does Elevated Red Blood Cells Mean Anyway?

When we talk about elevated levels of RBCs (not just another cute acronym) in the bloodstream or erythrocytosis (yes there’s an official term for it), we’re basically saying that there is an increase in the number of red blood cells present.

But Why Would There Be An Increase In The Number Of Our Transport Vehicles?

Well dear friend, here are some potential causes:

• Dehydration
  • When we become dehydrated our red blood cell count may increase because our remaining ones get concentrated.
• Altitude
  • Being at high altitudes with less oxygen means our bodies respond by producing extra RBCs
• Smoking
  • Nicotine increases many different chemicals in the circulatory system – one being RBCs
• Kidney Problems
  • You produce a hormone known as erythropoietin which stimulates new RBC production. If kidneys don’t work properly then EPO production increases

More reasons why Elevated Levels May Occur?

Oh yes! Here come more reasons why there may be elevated red blood cells:

• Congenital heart disease
  • not enough oxygen reaching body tissue so your body starts to produce new RBC in response
• Sleep apnea
  • during heavy snoring normal breathing patterns get disrupted. As a result, less oxygen gets into the bloodstream causing the body to try and overcompensate by making new cars (RBCs) for more freight(Pure O2) delivery
• Cancerous tumors or any other diseases of bone marrow
  • which lead to excessive production of erythrocytes without respecting your budget
• Anabolic Steroids in use such as EPO injections for example
  • hey we don’t judge but just know that you are also increasing your risk for thrombosis (We’ll touch on this soon)

The Symptoms

The truth is that having an elevated red blood cell count can initially present with very little symptoms with high testosterone being one of the few exceptions… However, when things start flowing outta hand some people might experience:

• Painful headaches (Red flag)

  • Due to Precipitated Thrombotic disposition
    

    From here on i wanna warn you reader that shit gets real.. Real gross.

  (Oh no.. Not again)

Going forward if dat Hematocrit value keeps goin up thur (ಥ﹏ಥ)/ brace yourself for –

• Chest pain😳🚨
• Shortness Of breath 💨💔❌ -> Lossa people sometimes feel an extinction in crucial activities like daily routine work because after all they’re basically playing Overwatch 24/7
• Poor physical exertion 😢🤕 -> Despite losing alot amongst themselves naturally those precious erythrocytes still carry majority share rightfully governing every vital life processes going down/happening inside of you
• Dizziness 😕 -> THAT Vitamin-D better start trying harder with his job
• Fainting 😵-> Bruh… should’ve known that fourth tequila was sketchy.
  but seriously.. at any point of time if anyone happens to see a confused mofo on the floor perceiving patchy hallucinations wit’ diminished gray matter, it’s always recommended consulting healthcare professnals ASAP eden though your mom says Rub some salt or hot mustard DONT RISK IT

The Tests

So now we know what elevated red blood cells mean, and the symptoms that come along with them. But how can we diagnose it? A simple blood test can determine if someone has elevated levels of RBCs or not. And when this is confirmed, chances are high for special tests to set up as follow-up protocols like:

1) Serum erythropoietin level measurement
2) Bone marrow biopsy

Yeah they do both sound painful af but wihtout accurate insight into root cause just knowing the numbers on ur paper wont be enough & won’t help in alleviating bad conditions arising from prolonged negligence.

On occasion, checking-in regularly with doctors will avoid “worst-case scenarios” too so make sure to book those check-ups also you’ll get extra candy FTL (For The Loss – ehehe).

so long story short checkout every once in awhile even if there aren’t obvious symptoms

Treatment

Ok reader-friend let me emphasize: Always consult your doctor regarding treatment plans for Elevated Red Blood Cells because ideally treatment varies depending on specific underlying problems causing such a circumstance.

One general approach could be by keeping oneself hydrated.(#StayHydratedBitchessss)

Water ain’t always tasteless bland garbage ya dig(☞ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)☞ drink plenty and reap the benefits.

Also ALWAYS FOLLOW doctor verified medication regimes for any disease.

On the other hand, if ya’ll using a strong anabolic regime to hit dat body-building physik then please keep your red cell count in check.

It’s crucial peeps. You’re raising those RBCs by injecting synthetic EPO into ur bloodstream with no regard towards negative consequences? Stop It! see life’s other better things too like sunsets or birds on trees.. it’s healthier (ง’̀-‘́)ง

Some Final Thoughts

Red blood cells may seem simple at first, but there is a lot going on beneath the surface. Elevated levels of these cells can be concerning and might lead to severe medical conditions when left untreated.

Thus without being repetitive we will emphasize again how important it is not only to maintain regular check-ups with a physician but follow every prescription for treatment thoroughly .

Stay hydrated my friends✌️