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A member asked:

Is it normal for elderly heavy smokers to have a high red blood cell count? is there a correlation or much more commonly something else?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

How high? All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests. Having said that, it would have helped had you provided the actual results. Wish you good health!

Answered 3/10/2022

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Recently diagnosed with possible PVERA. I am a 22 year old female and previously have been healthy. My red blood cell came back extremely high for my age. HCT 66 HGB 21. Neg. for JAK 2, neg. sleep apnea, unremarkable MRI from chest down. Whats next?

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Last blood work showed high RDW (15.8), low MCH (25.7) but normal Hemoglobin 13.4 and normal hematocrit 41.6. Inquired about anemia. Was told possible Early Red Cell Release (hematocrit count had not been factored in). Would it be serious condition?

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Recent blood tests show Im producing too many red blood cells. How bad is erythrocytosis? Not a smoker. Not at high elevation. Have high blood pressure. Generally fit?

3 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

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