What happen if rbc is more than wbc in your blood?
Normally Red Blood Cell (RBC) count is always significantly more than the White Blood Cell (WBC) count. Any variations in this count can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If RBC count exceeds WBC count abnormally, it could indicate a medical condition called Polycythemia or Erythrocytosis. Here's what happens in such a situation:
1. Increased Blood Viscosity:
-Polycythemia causes an increase in the number of red blood cells, resulting in a significant rise in blood viscosity (thickness).
-The increase in viscosity makes it harder for blood to flow smoothly through the vessels and small capillaries.
2. Poor Oxygen Delivery:
-The high viscosity reduces blood flow and impairs oxygen delivery to tissues and organs throughout the body.
-This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
3. Hypercoagulability and Blood Clots:
-Polycythemia also leads to an increased tendency for blood to clot (hypercoagulability).
-The high concentration of RBCs makes blood flow slower and more sluggish, which increases the risk of blood clots forming in arteries or veins.
4. Cardiovascular Complications:
-The combination of increased blood viscosity and hypercoagulability can lead to cardiovascular complications, including:
-Heart Attack
-Stroke
-Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
-Pulmonary Embolism
5. Neurological Symptoms:
-Polycythemia can affect the central nervous system and cause neurological symptoms due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
-Headache, confusion, blurred vision, and even neurological deficits can occur in severe cases.
6. Organ Dysfunction:
-Prolonged Polycythemia can result in organ dysfunction due to inadequate oxygen supply.
-Organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and lungs can be affected, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
7. Myeloproliferative Disorders:
-Polycythemia can be a sign of underlying myeloproliferative disorders, which are a group of conditions that affect the production of blood cells in the bone marrow.
-Conditions such as Polycythemia Vera (PV) and Myelofibrosis can cause an abnormal increase in RBC production.
8. Secondary Polycythemia:
-In some cases, Polycythemia can be secondary to other conditions that cause increased production of the hormone erythropoietin.
-This hormone stimulates the bone marrow to produce more RBCs, resulting in Polycythemia.
It's important to note that Polycythemia is usually a symptom of an underlying medical condition rather than a disease itself. Therefore, if you have an abnormally high RBC count, it's crucial to consult a doctor promptly to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment.