A high red blood cell count, also known as polycythemia or erythrocytosis, refers to an elevated number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This condition means the proportion of red blood cells is above the normal range. This article explores the relationship between stress and red blood cell levels, along with other common causes of an elevated count.
Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell Count
Red blood cells, also called erythrocytes, transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen. An elevated red blood cell count indicates the body has produced an excess of these cells, or their concentration has increased.
When red blood cell levels are too high, the blood can become thicker or more viscous. This increased thickness can impede blood flow, making it harder for blood to circulate efficiently. This raises the risk of blood clots, which may lead to complications like heart attack or stroke.
The Body’s Response to Stress
The body’s “fight or flight” response activates when faced with a perceived threat. The brain activates the sympathetic nervous system, prompting the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol from the adrenal glands. These hormones prepare the body for immediate action.
This response leads to several changes throughout the body. Heart rate and blood pressure increase, and blood flow is redirected to muscles and the brain. Non-essential functions like digestion slow down. The body may also experience increased sweating and changes in fluid balance during stressful periods.
Investigating the Link: Stress and Red Blood Cell Levels
While stress impacts various bodily systems, direct chronic stress leading to a true increase in red blood cell mass (absolute polycythemia) is not typically supported by medical evidence. The body’s stress response primarily involves hormonal and cardiovascular adjustments, not sustained overproduction of red blood cells by the bone marrow. However, stress can indirectly influence red blood cell levels in temporary ways.
One indirect effect is relative polycythemia or hemoconcentration. Severe stress or anxiety can sometimes lead to dehydration, such as from increased fluid loss or reduced fluid intake. When the body loses plasma volume, existing red blood cells become more concentrated. This makes the blood appear “thicker” on a test, even though the actual number of red blood cells has not increased.
Chronic stress can indirectly contribute to behaviors that increase red blood cell counts. For instance, prolonged stress might lead individuals to smoke more, which can cause chronic low oxygen levels (hypoxia) and stimulate red blood cell production. Excessive alcohol consumption can also impact blood cell levels. Acute stress can cause minor, temporary shifts in blood components due to fluid redistribution, but these are not sustained high red blood cell counts.
Common Causes of High Red Blood Cell Count
Since stress is not a direct cause of true polycythemia, it is important to understand the medical conditions and lifestyle factors that can lead to an elevated red blood cell count. Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a blood cancer originating in the bone marrow that causes it to produce too many red blood cells. This condition results from a genetic mutation leading to uncontrolled cell production.
Secondary polycythemia accounts for most cases of high red blood cell counts and arises from conditions that cause chronic low oxygen levels. These include chronic lung diseases, such as emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Living at high altitudes also prompts the body to produce more red blood cells to compensate for lower oxygen availability. Smoking is another common cause, as carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, stimulating red blood cell production. Certain kidney conditions or tumors can also produce excess erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
Seeking Medical Guidance
If you experience symptoms that suggest a high red blood cell count, consult a healthcare professional. Common symptoms include fatigue, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision, or unexplained itching. Other indicators are redness of the skin, especially in the hands and feet, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen due to an enlarged spleen.
A doctor can determine the underlying cause of an elevated red blood cell count through blood tests and a comprehensive medical evaluation. Obtaining medical advice is important for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan. Early detection and treatment of the underlying condition can help mitigate health risks associated with a high red blood cell count.