What does it mean if your RDW is high?

What does it mean if your RDW is high?

A high RDW means that your red blood cells are unequal in size. This condition is called anisocytosis [2, 3]. It happens when, for any reason, the body is having issues producing red blood cells.

Is high RDW serious?

A high red blood cell distribution width (RDW) may be associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure and risk of death, and cardiovascular events in people with previous myocardial infarction.

Why is RDW high in iron deficiency anemia?

As iron deficiency progresses, decreased erythropoeisis develops. New erythrocytes are smaller, causing the RDW to increase slightly, as there is a mix of older normocytic cells with younger microcytic cells. Laboratory findings include low ferritin, low MCV, high RDW, and increased transferrin.

What does RDW 16.1 mean?

A low RDW means your red blood cells are all about the same size. A high RDW means you have both very small and very large red blood cells. You may also have a “normal” RDW. A normal RDW range is 12.2%–16.1% for women and 11.8%–14.5% for men. But that doesn’t always mean you’re in perfect health.

What are the symptoms of high red blood cell count?

If you have a high RBC count, you could experience symptoms such as:

• fatigue.
• shortness of breath.
• joint pain.
• tenderness in the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
• itching skin, particularly after a shower or bath.
• sleep disturbance.

What diet causes macrocytic anemia?

A folate deficiency, sometimes known as vitamin B-9 deficiency, can also cause macrocytic anemia. Pregnant and breast-feeding women use more folate and have a higher risk of becoming deficient. People who do not eat enough folate-rich foods can also become deficient.

Should I be concerned if my RDW is high?

High results If your RDW is too high, it could be an indication of a nutrient deficiency, such as a deficiency of iron, folate, or vitamin B-12. These results could also indicate macrocytic anemia, when your body doesn’t produce enough normal red blood cells, and the cells it does produce are larger than normal.

Does high RDW cause fatigue?

In subgroup analysis, fatigue was not associated with any measures of disease activity. Conclusions: We report a reproducible, statistically significant association between RDW and fatigue levels in a diverse population of patients with SLE.

What does RDW mean on blood work?

A red cell distribution width (RDW) test is a measurement of the range in the volume and size of your red blood cells (erythrocytes). Red blood cells move oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and stay healthy.

Should I worry if my red blood cell count is high?

A high red blood cell count can be a sign of: Dehydration. Heart disease. Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes too many red blood cells to be made.

Can dehydration cause high red blood cell count?

Increased red blood cell concentration Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. This is due to the red blood cells becoming more concentrated.