What is the reason for increased RBC, HCT, hemoglobin, glucose, and cholesterol levels even without aerobic activity?

Hello doctor,

Around four to five years ago, I wanted to change my lifestyle, lose some weight, and get healthy and stress-free. I started working out and running a lot. I stopped taking allergy medicine Zyrtec because I was having difficulty breathing while running and was told Zyrtec may be affecting my ability to use the full lung capacity. Within a year of running, blood work started showing high RBC, HCT, and hemoglobin, and I started having tinnitus. I did some research and saw that this could be normal in extreme cases of athleticism. I was training for half marathons and running or working out four days a week. After some complaints to my doctor regarding not making much progress (speed and endurance) and not getting enough oxygen, he advised some other tests. Everything was normal except for some slight stenosis in a heart valve. I ran my last half marathon two years ago, after which I had a major calf muscle tear which halted my physical activity. Every blood test has shown increasing RBC, HCT, and hemoglobin even though I am no longer doing aerobic activity.

I was found to have HCV one and a half years ago. I have been clear of HCV for the last year after Harvoni treatment, and abdominal scans show some fatty liver but no serious issues. The liver test report showed AST of 17 U/L and ALT of 16 U/L. Glucose is 117 mg/dL and has been rising despite the keto diet. The cholesterol level is 281 mg/dL has increased significantly over the last two years. I have been diagnosed with activity-induced asthma before, but my current doctor has not mentioned it as a possibility. Polycythemia genetic tests were negative. I have also had significant increases in other health issues over the last four to five years. I have had the flu four to five times. I also have recurring shingles on a six to eight-week cycle. I am now experiencing them about every six months. I relate the shingles to extreme stress from work. I do not smoke and drink very little. Currently, I am taking Metoprolol 25 mg for high blood pressure.

Kindly help.

Thank you.