An alarming red blood cell (RBC) count is one that falls significantly outside the normal range, potentially indicating an underlying medical condition.
Normal RBC Count Ranges
It's important to note that normal ranges can vary slightly between laboratories. However, generally accepted normal ranges for adults are:
- Men: 4.35 to 5.65 million red blood cells per microliter (mcL) of blood
- Women: 3.92 to 5.13 million red blood cells per mcL of blood
High RBC Count (Polycythemia)
An alarming RBC count would be one above these ranges. Consistently high RBC counts (polycythemia) can lead to:
- Increased blood viscosity (thickness), making it harder for the heart to pump.
- Increased risk of blood clots.
- Symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, headache, and blurred vision.
Low RBC Count (Anemia)
Conversely, an alarming RBC count would also be one below these ranges. Consistently low RBC counts (anemia) can lead to:
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pale skin.
- Dizziness.
In either case, a healthcare professional should evaluate any RBC count that falls outside the stated normal ranges to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. The degree to which a count is "alarming" depends on how far it deviates from the norm and the individual's overall health status.
