What are red blood cells?
Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are small, disc-shaped cells in the blood. They have a unique biconcave shape that makes them flexible, allowing them to squeeze through even the smallest blood vessels. This shape ensures that oxygen transport is as efficient as possible.
The red color of blood is due to hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it into the body's tissues. This is why hemoglobin is essential for the body to function optimally.
How are red blood cells formed?
Red blood cells are formed in the bone marrow in a process called erythropoiesis. This process is controlled by the hormone erythropoietin, which is produced in the kidneys. When the oxygen level in the blood drops, the kidneys respond by sending more erythropoietin into the bloodstream. This signals the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells.
On average, a red blood cell lives for about 120 days. It is then broken down in the spleen and liver, and the body's iron reserves are recycled to produce new red blood cells.
Why is hemoglobin so important?
Hemoglobin is the protein that enables red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body. Without hemoglobin, oxygen would not be able to bind to the blood cells and reach the body's cells and tissues.
If you have too little hemoglobin in your blood, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness and pale skin. This is because your body is not getting enough oxygen. Low hemoglobin levels can be caused by iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency or chronic illness.
What happens if you have too few red blood cells?
If your body doesn't produce enough red blood cells or if the red blood cells break down too quickly, you can develop anemia - also known as anemia.
Anemia can cause symptoms such as:
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
The causes of anemia can vary. It can be due to iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency or blood loss. Treatment depends on the cause. For iron deficiency, iron supplements may be necessary, while B12 or folic acid deficiency requires specific vitamin supplements.
What happens if you have too many red blood cells?
Unlike anemia, some people can have too many red blood cells in their blood. This condition is called polycythemia. When the blood contains too many red blood cells, it becomes thicker and can have difficulty passing through the blood vessels. This increases the risk of blood clots and can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and visual disturbances.
Polycythemia can be caused by dehydration, lung disease or genetic factors. Treatment may include blood-thinning medication or in some cases blood draining to reduce blood volume.
How are red blood cell levels measured?
To assess whether you have too many or too few red blood cells, your doctor can take a blood test. Among other things, the test measures the hematocrit value, which indicates what percentage of your blood is made up of red blood cells.
Another important measurement is the hemoglobin level. If the hemoglobin level is too low, it can be a sign of anemia. If it is too high, it may indicate polycythemia.
How to take care of your red blood cells
To keep your red blood cells healthy, it's important to get the necessary nutrients through diet.
Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin and is mainly found in meat, green leafy vegetables and legumes. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy, while folic acid is found in vegetables, whole grains and nuts.
It's also important to stay hydrated. If the body lacks fluid, the blood can thicken, which can negatively affect blood flow and oxygen transport.
When should you see a doctor?
If you experience persistent symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, pale skin or shortness of breath, it could be a sign of an imbalance in your red blood cells. A simple blood test can tell you if you have anemia, polycythemia or other blood disorders.
At Doctors Denmark, we offer fast access to blood tests and advice. We help you find the cause of your symptoms and ensure you get the right treatment - on your terms.