What does rbc mean in a complete blood count. What does RBC show in a clinical blood test. Examination of the level of erythrocytes and leukocytes
RBC stands for red blood cells, and RBC in a blood test is the absolute content of blood cells (erythrocytes), which contain hemoglobin and transport oxygen to organ cells and take in carbon dioxide. An increase or decrease in this indicator indicates the development of the disease. A general blood test allows you to determine the state of health of the patient.
How the analysis is carried out
It is important to properly prepare for the study, in which case it will be possible to obtain an accurate result. The analysis is carried out on an empty stomach. Eating before the study on the WBC RBC is excluded at least 4 hours in advance (it is advisable to adhere to an 8-hour fast). On the eve, it is forbidden to perform heavy physical work. You should also refrain from psycho-emotional overload. The best time for RBC analysis is in the morning.
To test for the level of red blood cells (RBC), blood is taken from a finger or vein. Moreover, doctors often examine venous blood, because the results are more informative. The data obtained in the study of capillary blood can sometimes be unreliable.
The laboratory assistant compresses the forearm with a tourniquet and asks the patient to clench and unclench his fist several times. The skin puncture site is treated with an antiseptic, a needle connected to a test tube is inserted into the venous vessel. Up to 5 cm³ of blood is taken for research. Then the needle is removed, the puncture site is treated with an alcohol solution. RBC tests can sometimes cause minor pain.
Norm
The RBC norm for women, men and children is different.
adults
RBC in a blood test, the norm in an adult differs by gender. So, the norm for men is from 3.9 × 1012 to 5.5 × 1012 cells per liter of blood, and the norm for women is from 3.9 × 1012 to 4.7 × 1012 cells. In adult women, the rate indicating the number of red blood cells differs due to menstruation.
babies
The rate of red blood cells in 1012 per liter of blood varies by day, week and month of the baby's life:
- in cord blood - 3.9-5.5;
- in the first days of life - 4-6.6;
- by the end of the first week - 3.9-6.3;
- at 2 weeks of age - 3.6-6.2;
- in 1 month - 3-5.4;
- in a two-month-old child - 2.7-4.9;
- up to six months - 3.1-4.5;
- up to a year - 3.4-5.
Children
RBC scores in the analysis of children differ according to age:
- up to 12 years - 3.5-5 (the indicator is not affected by gender);
- in adolescents 13-16 years old - 4.1-5.5;
- 16-18 years old - 3.9-5.6.
Deviations
The decoding of the study can show both increased and decreased levels of red cells. Deviations from the norm indicate the development of a disease in the body.
Reduced
With a reduced amount of RBC, the patient needs to undergo additional medical examinations. The pathological level of RBC indicates the development of severe pathologies requiring immediate treatment.
The process of reducing the number of red blood cells in the blood means the development of erythrocytopenia in the patient. Most often, the level of these cells decreases due to anemia or massive blood loss. Among the most common causes of erythrocytopenia are:
- reinforced;
- malignant neoplasms of the hematopoietic system;
- myeloma;
- spread of metastases;
- chronic inflammatory pathologies;
- hereditary pathologies of the process of blood production;
- autoimmune pathologies;
- diseases of the kidneys and urinary organs;
- chemotherapy;
- increased water content.
In addition, RBC decreases as a result of insufficient intake of cyanocobalamin - vitamin B12. Because of this, erythropoiesis suffers, that is, the process of formation of blood cells. Some pathologies of the digestive tract lead to the fact that iron is not sufficiently absorbed in the body. Low iron content in the blood is the reason for the decrease in the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
The reduction of RBC is facilitated by the use of barbiturates and their derivatives.
This is also facilitated by the observance of a diet with the rejection of meat products. The body does not receive the most important nutrients, which is why the process is disturbed in it.
Deciphering the blood test shows that the patient has an anemic and sidereal syndrome. Anemia is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- malaise, constant fatigue;
- weakness;
- inability to endure prolonged physical and mental stress;
- pain in the head;
- frequent dizziness or fainting;
- sleep disorders;
- dyspnea;
- increased heart rate (both at rest and during physical exertion);
- blackening of the stool (this symptom appears as a result of bleeding from the digestive tract and requires immediate medical attention).
Sideropenic syndrome is characterized by such signs:
- violation of taste sensations (desire to eat chalk, clay and other inedible substances);
- the appearance of a desire to sniff paint, acetone, household chemicals, gasoline;
- fragility of hair, increased tendency to hair loss;
- the appearance of white spots on the nails;
- peeling and drying of the skin;
- blanching of the skin and sclera;
- development of cheilitis (inflammation of the corners of the lips).
In a severe stage of anemia, the following symptoms are observed:
- feeling of crawling on the skin;
- numbness of hands and feet;
- difficulty in swallowing;
- the appearance of uncontrolled emptying of the bladder.
It is possible to increase the reduced value of RBC in this disease with the help of properly selected nutrition and the use of medications.
Beneficial to consume daily:
- beef liver;
- language;
- rabbit and turkey meat;
- fish;
- dried mushrooms;
- fresh peas;
- buckwheat porridge;
- apricots;
- pears and apples;
- sweet cherry;
- plum;
- beets.
Eating animal products helps to better absorb iron.
The most common tablet preparations to enhance hematopoiesis are Ferroplex, Sorbifer, Totem, Aktiferrin, Maltofer, Ferrostat. These drugs are combined with Ascorbic acid.
The injectable use of agents to enhance the production of red blood cells is advisable in the clinic, because some of them can cause an intolerance reaction.
elevated
Sometimes the RBC in the blood test is elevated. An increased value in the RBC blood test does not mean that more oxygen will be supplied to the organs and tissues. An increase in erythrocyte counts, as well as a decrease, indicates the development of certain health problems.
An elevated level of RBC is called erythrocytosis. The blood thickens and becomes viscous. The number of red blood cells increases with a lack of oxygen resulting from:
- congenital heart defects;
- heart failure;
- violations of the structure of hemoglobin;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- sudden stoppage of breathing due to sleep;
- smoking.
Stimulates the production of red blood cells the use of anabolic steroid drugs. The antibiotic gentamicin also contributes to the intensive production of RBC.
In addition, the number of red blood cells increases due to dehydration (dehydration), the causes of which are:
- insufficient intake of fluid in the body;
- increased body temperature;
- vomit;
- diarrhea.
In polycythemia vera, there is a persistent increase in red blood cell production. This is observed due to too high activity of the bone marrow.
Also, an increase in RBC is due to the development of some rare pathologies:
- Pickwick's syndrome, characterized by the progressive development of respiratory failure.
- Aerza-Arrilaga disease (pulmonary hypertension of unknown origin, which is characterized by the development of right ventricular decompensation).
- Itsenko-Cushing's disease - excessive production of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal glands.
An elevated red blood cell count can only be detected with a blood test. A person may not even be aware that he has a high RBC. But this condition is extremely dangerous, because due to thickening of the blood, a disorder of the respiratory organs and brain functions occurs. If you do not help the patient, then the size of the spleen and liver increases.
Some signs of an increased RBC count:
- increased fatigue;
- feeling short of breath;
- skin redness;
- pain in the joints;
- moisturizing the palms and feet;
- the appearance of itching of the skin after water procedures;
- sleep disorders.
Symptoms of polycythemia:
- persistent blurred vision;
- pain in the head, muscles, chest;
- syncope;
- high blood pressure (almost always accompanied by increased RBC);
- feeling of constant extraneous sound in the ears.
Knowing what RBC is in a blood test, and what its increased indicators lead to, you can prevent dangerous consequences. If the cause of erythrocytosis is dehydration, you must follow the correct drinking regimen. Severe dehydration is treated with the administration of glucose and saline solutions. To reduce the viscosity, the following procedures are used:
- Bloodletting (up to 300 ml of blood is taken from a vein, the missing fluid is replaced with saline or plasma).
- The use of leeches.
- Oxygen inhalation (this procedure reduces the number of red blood cells produced).
It is necessary to normalize nutrition by enriching the diet with fresh vegetables and fruits. Nutritionists recommend avoiding carbonated drinks and tap water.
The RBC value in a blood test is determined using a general diagnostic method. Automatic hematology analyzers in this study use an abbreviated form of recording blood characteristics in English.
Blood test indicators
- White blood cells or WBCs are white blood cells. They are also called leukocytes. The number of leukocytes is expressed as an absolute number;
- Red blood cells or RBCs are red blood cells, that is, erythrocytes. Their number is also expressed as an absolute number;
- Hb, hemoglobin or HGB is hemoglobin, that is, the content of its concentration in whole blood;
- Hematocrit or HCT is an indicator of hematocrit, expressed as a percentage;
- Platelets or PLT are blood plates, that is, platelets. Their number is expressed as an absolute number;
- MCV - a parameter that displays the average volume of erythrocytes;
- MCH is an indicator of the average hemoglobin content in one erythrocyte;
- MCHC - characteristic of the average content of hemoglobin concentration in one erythrocyte;
- Mean platelet volume or MPV is a measure of the average platelet volume;
- PDW is a characteristic of the relative width of the distribution of platelets throughout the blood volume;
- Platelet crit or PCT is the percentage of whole blood volume that platelets fill. It is also called thrombocrit;
- Lymphocyte or LYM%, LY% - index of the leukocyte formula, which expresses the relative content of lymphocytes in the blood;
- Lymphocyte # or LYM #, LY # is also an index of the leukocyte formula, which displays the absolute content of lymphocytes in human blood;
- MXD% is an index of the leukocyte formula, reflecting the relative amount of a mixture of monocytes, eosinophils and basophils in the blood;
- MXD # is a leukocyte index, it also expresses the content of a mixture of monocytes, eosinophils and basophils in the blood, but only in absolute numbers.
The RBC indicator in a blood test can also show additional characteristics, that is, be part of the leukocyte formula as erythrocyte indices. These include the value of RDW-SD (standard variation of the relative width of the distribution of erythrocytes in the blood volume), RDW-CV (coefficient expression of the relative width of the distribution of erythrocytes). As well as the parameter P-LCR (coefficient expression of large platelets) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
Principle of analysis
Red blood cells are its cells, which include hemoglobin. They carry out the transport function of oxygen from the organs of the lungs to the tissues of the body, and also carry carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Erythrocytes are red in color, and their size is seven to eight microns.
When diagnosing, the RBC parameter in a blood test characterizes the correct functioning of such cells (erythrocytes). That is, the performance of erythrocytes of the main functions in the human body. Medical specialists consider the respiratory function to be the most important function of these cells. Because oxygen enrichment of all tissues is a vital process.
They also include the ability to nourish body tissues with amino acids that red blood cells carry from the digestive organs. These cells are also responsible for the enzymatic function, since a large number of enzymes are attached to the surface of the erythrocyte.
If the RBC in the blood test is normal, then the erythrocytes adsorb toxins and antigens, and also take part in immunological and autoimmune processes. That is, the protective function of the body is performed. Also, red blood cells are able to maintain an acid-base balance. This process is characterized by the function of regulation.
RBC rate in a blood test
adults
With normal RBC values, the level of erythrocytes in the blood for men should correspond to 4.0-5.5 * 10 12 / l, and for women - 3.5-5.0 * 10 12 / l. Any changes from the norms reflect certain diseases. For children, red blood cell counts depend on the age and gender of the child.
Infants
If in childhood the RBC parameter in the blood test is normal, then its values \u200b\u200bshould be as follows:
- at birth in girls - 3.8-5.5 * 10 12 / l, and in boys - 3.9-5.5 * 10 12 / l.
- In boys and girls aged one to three days - 4.0-6.6 * 10 12 / l, one week - 3.9-6.3 * 10 12 / l, two weeks - 3.6-6.2 *10 12 /l.
When diagnosing the blood of babies at one month, the number of erythrocytes is 3.0-5.4 * 10 12 / l, at two months - 2.7-4.9 * 10 12 / l, at three or four months - 3.1- 4.5*10 12 / l. Normal values at five months for girls are 3.7-5.2 * 10 12 / l and 3.4-5.0 * 10 12 / l for boys. This number of red blood cells in the blood of children is up to two years.
Children
It is believed that the RBC indicator in a blood test is normal for a child aged three to twelve years should correspond to the values of 3.5-5.0 * 10 12 / l for girls and boys. And at thirteen to sixteen years old, its number is 3.5-5.0 for girls and 4.1-5.5 for boys. For seventeen to nineteen years, the norms of erythrocytes are characterized by such numerical values as 3.5-5.0 * 10 12 / l for girls and 3.9-5.6 * 10 12 / l for guys.
Blood test indicators when deciphering RBC
Reduced rates
When deciphering blood diagnostics, erythrocyte indicators may show underestimated results. Medical specialists attribute this to the causes of anemia that have arisen. They occur due to blood loss, hemolysis, as well as a deficiency of vitamins B 12 and B 9. In addition, low erythrocyte norms occur in the presence of hydremia. This condition occurs when a large volume of fluid is injected intravenously or during the outflow of fluid from the tissues into the bloodstream (when edema decreases).
Increased rates
In the analysis of blood in the decoding of the RBC indicator, an overestimated level of red blood cells may occur. This condition occurs with erythremia or erythrocytosis. Erythremia occurs when a tumor forms in a polypeptide table cell. Because of them, the division of erythrocytosis cells is enhanced. This disease is also called primary erythrocytosis.
Secondary erythrocytosis also indicates an elevated level of erythrocytes in the blood. It manifests itself in two forms, which are called physiological and pathological absolute erythrocytosis. In the first form of the disease, hemoglobin increases with physiological factors that increase oxygen demand. And in the second - with a large production of erythropoietin.
Examination of the level of erythrocytes and leukocytes
In the blood test, WBC and RBC indicators reflect the state of leukocyte and erythrocyte cells. As already noted, overestimated and underestimated norms of both erythrocytes and leukocytes may appear, which indicate a number of diseases.
For example, leukocytes are increased in inflammatory purulent processes, myocardial infarction, stroke, extensive burns, uremia, hemolysis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and many other diseases. And they are underestimated with influenza, viral hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus, measles, rubella, bacterial and protozoal infections, autoimmune diseases.
When analyzing blood, WBC and RBC indicators can simultaneously be underestimated in hypersplenism syndrome (that is, with an enlarged spleen). In addition, there is a decrease in the number of platelets. It is possible to establish the level of erythrocytes and leukocytes with a general and detailed diagnosis of blood.
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4.19 out of 5 (18 Votes)The erythrocyte is one of the most important components of the blood cells, as it performs various vital functions: it provides tissues with oxygen, delivers nutrients to them, regulates blood clotting, etc. The rate of erythrocytes varies in different population groups: in children, men and women (including during menstruation, pregnant and lactating). Under certain conditions (for example, during exercise, emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies), the number of red blood cells can either increase or decrease. But there are diseases that can also be accompanied by an increase (polycythemia) or a decrease () in red blood cells. Therefore, a blood test for RBC is necessary.
What is RBC in a blood test
RBC (red blood cells) - the English abbreviation in the general blood test, translates as "red blood cells" - the so-called erythrocytes. They are biconcave discs that do not contain nuclei and are 7–8 µm in diameter. Due to this shape, these cells are able to reversibly deform, penetrating through the small pores of the capillaries. Red blood cells live in the bloodstream for 80-120 days.
Erythrocytes transport oxygen from lungs to tissues, carbon dioxide from tissues to lungs, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, enzymes and other substances. They provide a protective function through specific and nonspecific immunity, participate in hemostasis (a system for preventing spontaneous blood clotting and ensuring this process in response to damage). Regulate the acid-base composition of the blood and water-mineral metabolism.
Video: structure and function of red blood cells
The rate of erythrocytes in the blood and factors affecting the indicator
The rate of erythrocytes has gender (sex) and age characteristics, which is taken into account when deciphering the analysis.
The average number of red blood cells in children and adults - table
| Men | Women | Children | ||||||||
| Number of erythrocytes (g/l) | 3,9–5,5*10 12 | not pregnant | Menstruating | I trimester of pregnancy | II trimester of pregnancy | III trimester of pregnancy | lactating | up to 6 years | boys 7 years and older | girls 7 years and older |
| 3,7–4,9*10 12 | Reducing the number of red blood cells depending on the volume of blood loss | 4,2–5,4*10 12 | 3,5–4,8*10 12 | 3,7–5,0*10 12 | Anemia in 9–10% of cases | 3,66–5,08*10 12 | 4,00–5,12*10 12 | 3,99–4,41*10 12 | ||
This indicator is influenced by:
- physical activity: depending on its volume, an increase in red blood cells by 10–20% may occur;
- nutrition: during hunger, the quality of blood improves and the number of red blood cells increases;
- stress: as a result of compensatory-adaptive reactions, the number of red blood cells increases.
What does the rise and fall mean?
An increase or decrease in the indicator indicates the presence of pathology.
Polycythemia
Polycythemia (erythrocytosis) - an increase in the absolute number of red blood cells in 1 ml of blood above normal.
There are primary and secondary polycythemia. The first one includes:
- Wakez's disease (a chronic neoplastic disease of the hematopoietic tissue);
- a number of hereditary diseases that occur as a result of tumor degeneration of erythroid germ cells (populations of erythrocyte precursor cells).
Secondary polycythemia can be absolute (the number of red blood cells per unit volume of blood increases due to an increase in the activity of erythropoiesis - the process of formation and maturation of erythrocytes) and relative (if there is no activation of erythropoiesis). Secondary absolute polycythemia is observed:
- with hyperproduction of erythropoietin (a hormone that regulates erythropoiesis);
- with hypersensitivity to erythropoietin of erythroid cells.
Secondary relative polycythemia occurs:
if plasma volume decreases with dehydration;
if erythrocytes enter the blood from the organs and tissues that are their depot - the spleen, liver, subcutaneous vascular plexus and lungs - during stress, oxygen starvation, the flow of catecholamines (adrenaline, norepinephrine) into the blood.
Anemia
Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in 1 ml of blood.
Based on the etiology, there are:
Unlike physiological changes in the composition of the blood (which do not require therapeutic measures), the diseases discussed above pose a danger to human health and life and require therapeutic intervention. Therefore, it is extremely important to determine the number of erythrocytes in the general blood test. Early detection of pathology will allow timely start of treatment and rehabilitation, which, in turn, will minimize the occurrence of complications and improve the quality of life.
Hematocrit is an indicator that reflects how much blood is occupied by red blood cells. The hematocrit is usually expressed as a percentage: for example, a hematocrit (HCT) of 39% means that 39% of the blood volume is represented by red blood cells. Elevated hematocrit occurs with erythrocytosis (increased number of red blood cells in the blood), as well as with dehydration. A decrease in hematocrit indicates anemia (a decrease in the level of red blood cells in the blood), or an increase in the amount of the liquid part of the blood.
The mean volume of a red blood cell allows the doctor to obtain information about the size of the red blood cell. Mean cell volume (MCV) is expressed in femtoliters (fl) or cubic micrometers (µm3). Red blood cells with a small average volume are found in microcytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, etc. Red blood cells with an increased average volume are found in megaloblastic anemia (anemia that develops when there is a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body).
Platelets are small platelets of blood that are involved in the formation of a blood clot and prevent blood loss when blood vessels are damaged. An increase in the level of platelets in the blood occurs in some blood diseases, as well as after operations, after the removal of the spleen. A decrease in the level of platelets occurs in some congenital blood diseases, aplastic anemia (disruption of the bone marrow that produces blood cells), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (destruction of platelets due to increased activity of the immune system), cirrhosis of the liver, etc.
A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell that is responsible for developing immunity and fighting germs and viruses. The number of lymphocytes in different analyzes can be presented as an absolute number (how many lymphocytes were found), or as a percentage (what percentage of the total number of leukocytes are lymphocytes). The absolute number of lymphocytes is usually denoted LYM# or LYM. The percentage of lymphocytes is referred to as LYM% or LY%. An increase in the number of lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) occurs in some infectious diseases (rubella, influenza, toxoplasmosis, infectious mononucleosis, viral hepatitis, etc.), as well as in blood diseases (chronic lymphocytic leukemia, etc.). A decrease in the number of lymphocytes (lymphopenia) occurs with severe chronic diseases, AIDS, kidney failure, taking certain drugs that suppress the immune system (corticosteroids, etc.).
Granulocytes are white blood cells that contain granules (granular white blood cells). Granulocytes are represented by 3 types of cells: neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. These cells are involved in the fight against infections, in inflammatory and allergic reactions. The number of granulocytes in various analyzes can be expressed in absolute terms (GRA#) and as a percentage of the total number of leukocytes (GRA%).
Granulocytes are usually elevated when there is inflammation in the body. A decrease in the level of granulocytes occurs with aplastic anemia (loss of the ability of the bone marrow to produce blood cells), after taking certain medications, as well as with systemic lupus erythematosus (connective tissue disease), etc.
Monocytes are leukocytes that, once in the vessels, soon exit them into the surrounding tissues, where they turn into macrophages (macrophages are cells that absorb and digest bacteria and dead cells of the body). The number of monocytes in various analyzes can be expressed in absolute terms (MON#) and as a percentage of the total number of leukocytes (MON%). An increased content of monocytes occurs in some infectious diseases (tuberculosis, infectious mononucleosis, syphilis, etc.), rheumatoid arthritis, and blood diseases. A decrease in the level of monocytes occurs after major operations, taking drugs that suppress the immune system (corticosteroids, etc.).
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is an indicator that indirectly reflects the content of proteins in the blood plasma. Elevated ESR indicates possible inflammation in the body due to increased levels of inflammatory proteins in the blood. In addition, an increase in ESR occurs with anemia, malignant tumors, etc. A decrease in ESR is rare and indicates an increased content of red blood cells in the blood (erythrocytosis), or other blood diseases.
It should be noted that some laboratories indicate other norms in the test results, this is due to the presence of several methods for calculating indicators. In such cases, the interpretation of the results of a general blood test is carried out according to specified standards.
In addition to deciphering a blood test, you can also make transcripts of urine and feces tests.
This type of analysis is important for monitoring the condition of a growing organism, as well as for monitoring the course.
Blood sampling, which also checks for(RBC) erythrocytes , does not require special, special training, but it is still necessary to fulfill some requirements and prescriptions of doctors:
- Visiting the laboratory early in the morning before eating is a general requirement for any blood sample.
- At least 8 hours before a visit to the doctor, you need to abstain from food, but fasting for more than 12 hours is also highly undesirable - this can affect the accuracy of the indicators, especially if a detailed test is carried out.
- In the diet a few days before the test, fatty, heavy and irritating foods, fried and smoked foods, alcohol and smoking should be avoided.
- Some types of drugs can change the blood picture, so they are either excluded or reported to the doctor if cancellation is not possible due to a medical condition.
- Any overload is reflected in the whole body, and in the blood too, therefore, heavy physical exercises are prohibited before the tests. It is advisable to avoid stress of any kind.
More information about the functions of red blood cells can be found in the video.
Capillary (from a fingertip) blood can be taken for analysis, or it is taken from a vein. The procedure is quick and not at all painful. After receiving the right amount of blood, the hole from the injection quickly thromboses and does not need any special care. The trace can be smeared with tincture of iodine or green paint if you have to do some work related to pollution immediately after visiting the laboratory.
Deciphering: the norm by age and during pregnancy
Number indicators are different for representatives of different sexes and ages. The minimum and maximum values in the table must be multiplied by 10 to the power of 12 cells per liter to obtain the desired data.
| Age | Men | Women |
| Blood obtained from the umbilical cord | 3.9 / 5.5 | 3.9 / 5.5 |
| First three days of life | 4.0 / 6.6 | 4.0 / 6.6 |
| First 7 days | 3.9 / 6.3 | 3.9 / 6.3 |
| Second 7 days of life | 3.6 / 6.2 | 3.6 / 6.2 |
| The last two decades of the first 30 days | 3.0 / 5.4 | 3.0 / 5.4 |
| Second month | 2.7 / 4.9 | 2.7 / 4.9 |
| From 3 months to 6 months | 3.1 / 4.5 | 3.1 / 4.5 |
| Six months - 36 months | 3.4 / 5.0 | 3.7 / 5.2 |
| 3 to 13 years old | 3.9 / 5.0 | 3.5 / 5.0 |
| 13 to 17 years old | 4.1 / 5.5 | 3.5 / 5.0 |
| 17 to 20 years old | 3.9 / 5.6 | 3.5 / 5.0 |
| 20 to 30 years old | 4.2 / 5.6 | 3.5 / 5.0 |
| 30 to 40 years old | 4.2 / 5.6 | 3.5 / 5.0 |
| 40 to 50 years old | 4.0 / 5.6 | 3.6 / 5.1 |
| 50 to 60 years old | 3.9 / 5.6 | 3.6 / 5.1 |
| 60 to 66 years old | 3.9 / 5.3 | 3.5 / 5.2 |
| Over 66 years old | 3.1 / 5.7 | 3.4 / 5.2 |
In addition to the main indicator, the so-called erythrocyte indices are also taken into account, which help to clarify data on the functioning of the blood system. These indicators are the same for everyone.
High number of red blood cells in the blood and ways to lower
Erythrocytosis - an increased number of red blood cells in the blood
An excess of red blood cells is called erythrocytosis, or polycythemia. In this case, erythrocytes demonstrate that there is a system failure in the body. Separate blood cells "stick together" with each other, forming conglomerates that can clog the lumen of individual vessels. This will lead to thrombosis and cause the blood to stop moving through the circulatory system.
In addition, the number of red cells in the blood is influenced by the following factors:
- Outburst of emotions, severe or chronic stress, emotional shock (not necessarily negative).
- Alcohol abuse, addiction to alcoholism.
- Tobacco smoking.
- Being in areas with low atmospheric pressure (oxygen starvation, altitude sickness).
Methods for reducing the increased number of red cells in the blood depend on the reasons that caused them. If this condition was provoked by bad habits, they will have to be abandoned. Alcoholics should be sent to addiction treatment, and cigarette lovers should find a way to either reduce the amount they smoke to a minimum or give up tobacco altogether.
If erythrocytosis is caused by disturbances in the functioning of the circulatory system, complex treatment with special preparations will be required, which the doctor will select and prescribe.
The level of red blood cells during severe overload will decrease on its own, if this is not a chronic condition, and in other cases, stress should be treated, and physical activity should be limited to a reasonable and harmless level.
Low number of red blood cells in the blood: signs and causes
Drowsiness, apathy and tachycardia are signs of a decrease in the level of red blood cells
Conditions in which the level of red blood cells in the blood is low is called. At the same time, too little oxygen enters the tissues of the body and they begin to suffer from this.
The reason for this is the low level. This red pigment contains oxygen that captures oxygen and retains it while the erythrocyte moves through the bloodstream. If the amount of hemoglobin falls, the number of oxygen atoms entering the body also decreases with it. The less red blood cells in the blood, the worse the person feels.
Signs:
- pale and cold skin
- cyanotic mucous membranes from lack of oxygen
- dizziness
- weakness
- incoordination
- drowsiness
- tinnitus and flickering dark spots in the eyes
- palpitations and shortness of breath
Especially dangerous is the condition in which erythrocytes sharply reduced for pregnant women and their gestation. Lack of oxygen can adversely affect not only the physical health, but also the mental development of the unborn child.The reason for low rates may be the use of a number of medications, for example, Azathioprine and Carbamazepine. analyzes and, you can identify the cause of the disease and find the best way to drug treatment. It is very dangerous to take iron preparations without a medical prescription, since both a shortage and an excess of this substance equally harm the body.
At home, anemia is usually treated with folk methods. Basically, this is an increase in iron levels by eating foods rich in this substance. It is believed that apples, spinach, red meat and liver are suitable for the role of such funds. It is recommended not to fry it completely, leaving it slightly damp, with "blood"
In general, nutrition should be well balanced and high in calories, especially when it comes to a pregnant woman.
Some people have a physiological decrease in the level of red blood cells, which does not cause any harm to their health and well-being. In such cases, it is treated as a variant of the norm.