Should I be concerned about my high RBC level?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 26-year-old male in relatively good health. I am 5'9," and my weight is 165 pounds. My blood investigation report shows RBC level as 6.04 million/uL, hemoglobin as 17.7 g/dL, and hematocrit as 51.1. Thinking I was dehydrated, my hematologist told me to report the blood work after two months.

My RBC went down to 5.7, hemoglobin to 16.9, and hematocrit to 48.9. Are these considered high levels? Should I be concerned? Kindly help.

Thank you

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I saw the report you attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). All the values of complete blood count (CBC) is within the range. The range of the standard values varies with laboratories, but what is essential is patient's value should be in the range of that particular laboratory. Earlier, your reports were just above the upper limit.

Now, we can rule out the cause that resulted in the rise of hemoglobin and other values. The physiological reasons are dehydration and high altitude, where oxygen is less in the air. In dehydration, there is reduced plasma volume causing hemoconcentration. And the pathological causes are lung pathology due to cigarette smoking, and cyanotic heart disease, etc.

Since your value dropped to the normal range after two months, it suggests physiological causes like dehydration. All your values are within the range only, and it should not worry you. But check these values after two to three months again to see any variation in the values.

1) What about WBC (white blood cell) and platelet counts?

2) Do you have any symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or easy bruising?

Reply to the above questions.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Good to read that there are no worrying symptoms.

I saw the other reports. Your WBC counts and platelet counts are normal and within the range. The increased value of RBC parameters two months back was probably because of dehydration as your workstyle (not drinking water as you should) and workplace.

So, present laboratory values should not worry you as other blood counts are also within normal range. I would suggest drinking as much water as you should to remain adequately hydrated and work in the ventilated area. Kindly repeat the CBC test after two to three months to see any variation.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Thanks.