Red blood cells carry nutrients and oxygen through the bloodstream to all parts of the body, including the brain and heart.
When there are low levels of hemoglobin (the substance that makes up red blood cells), oxygen does not reach the brain or heart, thus contributing to the cause of a stroke or heart attack. A low red blood cell count can also result in anemia, a condition in which the skin loses blood instead of producing it.
There are several factors that can cause a low red blood cell count, including aging, genetic conditions, infections, or medications. A chronic condition called hypercholesterolemia, for example, is a condition that affects people with high cholesterol, but can also affect those who have normal cholesterol levels but have been affected by other health problems. Hypertension, in contrast, can occur from uncontrolled high blood pressure, usually from taking too many medications for high cholesterol. Sometimes, a person has a low count because of poor diet choices or simply from a lack of exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
If left untreated, hypercholesterolemia and high red blood cell counts can lead to cardiovascular disease and stroke. Blood clots, or plaques, often form around the heart and in the arteries, resulting in heart attacks or stroke. In addition to heart problems, those with a low count are also more likely to develop lung diseases, such as emphysema, and other types of cancer.
High-fat diets that contribute to high cholesterol levels can contribute to a high red blood cell count, as well. A low red blood cell count is associated with atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries are clogged.
Although not life threatening, a low red blood cell count can be a cause of concern for those who are at risk for heart or lung disease. In the elderly, having a low count can result in cardiovascular disease and other health problems. It can also affect the liver and kidneys. Because the red blood cells help transfer nutrients from the liver to the muscle tissues, a low count can also result in fatigue, muscle weakness, and decreased energy levels.
For those with a chronic condition, a low red blood cell count can be life threatening. People with chronic liver or kidney disease should immediately consult their doctor if they notice any symptoms. Such symptoms include fatigue, nausea, weight loss, jaundice, vomiting, or stomach pain.
These symptoms may indicate a serious problem, such as jaundice or an infection.
If you want to keep your blood count up, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle. Some tips include avoiding smoking, alcohol, and eating right.
The foods that you eat can have an impact on your red blood cell count, too. Foods rich in calcium are beneficial because they help stimulate bone growth and repair and increase the amount of oxygen reaching the cells. Calcium is especially helpful if you are trying to increase red blood cell production. Foods such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and dairy products like milk and yogurt contain high amounts of calcium that help boost the production of red blood cells and reduce the amount of hemoglobin that you produce.
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle because if you don’t, your health and that of those around you can suffer. For example, if you have a low red blood cell count, you may have a shorter life expectancy. And if you have a low count, it can affect the way that your body functions. It may not only be contributing to your current health issues, but it could even cause some long-term complications.