What conditions would make your red blood cells count go up? Why?

Question

What conditions would make your red blood cells count go up? Why?

Answer 1

Dehydration for one, less plasma so the cells are more concentrated.

Then there are blood disorders like polycythaemia. Google them.

Answer 2

"A normal red blood cell count ranges from 4.7 to 6.1 million cells per microliter (mcl) in males and 4.2 to 5.4 million cells per mcl in females. A high red blood cell count usually suggests that you have too many red blood cells. Although a high red blood cell count is not a specific disease, it may be a sign of an underlying problem. Causes include:

    * Living at a high altitude

    * Smoking

    * Congenital heart disease

    * Failure of the right side of the heart (cor pulmonale)

    * Scarring and thickening of the lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis)

    * A rare bone marrow disorder (polycythemia vera)

    * Dehydration, such as from severe diarrhea or excessive sweating

    * Kidney disease

    * Exposure to carbon monoxide

    * Anabolic steroid use

In severe cases, a high red blood cell count can impair circulation and lead to abnormal clotting. Treatment of a high red blood cell count is directed at the underlying cause."