What Causes Elevated Red Blood Cell Count?

Posted on Sun, 27 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 27 Nov 2016 Answered on

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been told that I have an elevated red blood count. I was tested for sleep apnea and the results do not seem to affect the count. What other reason could cause an elevated count and is this a health concern?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pathological & physiological conditions can cause elevated red blood cells

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Elevated red blood cells can occur in number of pathological and physiological conditions.
Common pathological conditions are fever, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea etc.
Physiological conditions include high altitude, smoking etc.
When the above mentioned conditions are ruled out, neoplastic conditions like polycthemia rubra vera needs to be ruled out.
Sleep apnea may not be associated with elevated red blood cell count.

If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.

Thanks and take care
DR Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad