A high RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) means that your red blood cells vary in size more than what's considered normal. This can be a sign of several conditions, including:
- Anemia: This is a condition where your blood doesn't have enough red blood cells.
- Iron deficiency: A lack of iron can lead to smaller red blood cells, resulting in a high RDW.
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency: These deficiencies can cause the body to produce larger red blood cells, also leading to a high RDW.
- Chronic liver disease: This can affect the body's ability to produce healthy red blood cells.
- Sickle cell disease: This inherited blood disorder can affect the size and shape of red blood cells.
- Other conditions: Other conditions that can cause a high RDW include hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), blood transfusions, and ineffective red blood cell production.
If your RDW is high, your doctor will likely order other tests to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
