Medical expert of the article
New publications
Causes of increased and decreased red blood cells
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Diseases and conditions accompanied by an increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood
Main pathogenetic groups |
Clinical forms |
Absolute erythrocytosis (increased production of red blood cells) Primary Secondary (symptomatic):
Relative erythrocytosis Mixed erythrocytosis due to blood thickening and placental transfusion |
Erythremia Lung disease, heart defects, presence of abnormal hemoglobin, increased physical activity, stay at high altitudes, obesity Renal parenchymal cancer, hydronephrosis and polycystic kidney disease, liver parenchymal cancer, benign familial erythrocytosis Cushing's syndrome. Pheochromocytoma, hyperaldosteronism Dehydration, emotional stress, alcoholism, smoking Physiological erythrocytosis of newborns |