Is high RDW a sign of cancer?
RDW is elevated when there is increased red cell destruction, or, more commonly, ineffective red cell production. RDW may represent nutritional deficiency (e.g., iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid), bone marrow depression, or chronic inflammation [3032]. These conditions are more or less prevalent in cancers.
What level of RDW is dangerous?
A high RDW (over 14.5%) means that the red blood cells vary a lot in size. A normal RDW is 11.6 to 14.6%, but researchers from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that patients with a RDW level greater than or equal to 12.9% had an increased risk for depression.
What is considered a high RDW?
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 causes high red blood counts?
Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Heart failure, causing low blood oxygen levels. Congenital heart disease (born with it) Polycythemia vera (a blood disorder in which the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells)
