Your Blood Test Results: High RBC and Low MCV Explained - Cardiology

More Info

---

Understanding blood test results can be quite challenging, especially when you encounter abnormal values. In your case, you mentioned having a high red blood cell (RBC) count of 732 (which I assume is in thousands per microliter), a high hematocrit (HCT) of 52.2%, and a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 71.3 femtoliters (fL). Let's break down what these results could indicate and how you might address them.


High RBC and Hematocrit
A high RBC count and hematocrit level can indicate several potential conditions. Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. When both RBC and hematocrit are elevated, it may suggest that your blood is more concentrated than normal, a condition known as polycythemia. This can occur for various reasons:
1. Dehydration: One of the most common causes of elevated RBC and hematocrit levels is dehydration. When your body loses more fluids than it takes in, the blood volume decreases, leading to a higher concentration of red blood cells.

2. Living at High Altitudes: If you live at a higher altitude, your body may produce more red blood cells to compensate for lower oxygen levels in the environment.

3. Chronic Lung Diseases: Conditions that affect your lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can lead to increased RBC production as your body attempts to improve oxygen delivery.

4. Heart Disease: Certain heart conditions can also lead to increased RBC production.

5. Bone Marrow Disorders: Rarely, conditions such as polycythemia vera, a type of blood cancer, can cause your bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells.


Low MCV
The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measures the average size of your red blood cells. A low MCV (below the normal range of approximately 80-100 fL) typically indicates microcytic anemia, which can be caused by:
1. Iron Deficiency Anemia: This is the most common cause of low MCV. It occurs when your body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

2. Thalassemia: This is a genetic blood disorder that affects hemoglobin production, leading to smaller than normal red blood cells.

3. Chronic Disease: Certain chronic diseases can also lead to low MCV due to inflammation affecting red blood cell production.


Recommendations for Improvement
1. Hydration: If dehydration is suspected, ensure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, adjusting based on your activity level and climate.

2. Dietary Adjustments: If iron deficiency is a concern, consider increasing your intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals. Pairing these with vitamin C-rich foods (like citrus fruits) can enhance iron absorption.

3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the complexity of blood disorders, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider or a hematologist. They may recommend further testing, such as serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), or even a bone marrow biopsy if necessary, to determine the underlying cause of your abnormal results.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath, and report these to your doctor.

In conclusion, your blood test results indicate a need for further evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the high RBC count and low MCV. Addressing hydration, dietary intake, and consulting with a healthcare professional will be essential steps in managing your health effectively.