Table of Contents
Why would a MCV blood test be low?
The MCV will be lower than normal when red blood cells are too small. This condition is called microcytic anemia. Microcytic anemia may be caused by: iron deficiency, which can be caused by poor dietary intake of iron, menstrual bleeding, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
What are the symptoms of low MCV?
If you have a low MCH value, you may experience the following symptoms:
- shortness of breath.
- chest pain.
- fast heartbeat.
- fatigue or weakness.
- very pale or yellowish skin.
- headache.
How do you treat low MCV?
Can low MCHC levels be treated?
- Increase iron in your diet.
- Take iron supplements.
- Get more vitamin B6, which is necessary for proper absorption of iron.
- Add more fiber to your diet, which can help improve the intestinal absorption of iron.
What does low MCV and MCH mean?
Common conditions resulting in a hypochromic microcytic anemia (low MCV and MCH) include thalassemia and iron deficiency; and, less commonly, anemias associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, genetic determinants for Hb C, congenital defects in copper metabolism, some forms of sideroblastic anemia, and other …
Why is MCV low in iron deficiency anemia?
The most common cause of low MCV is iron deficiency anemia. Without enough iron in the body, red blood cells cannot make hemoglobin, and this results in a smaller red blood cell size [3, 5].
What does an MCV test tell you?
An MCV blood test measures the average size of your red blood cells, also known as 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.
Is low red blood count serious?
A low red blood count, or anemia, can cause feelings of fatigue and weakness. When a person has a lower red blood count than is normal, their body has to work harder to get enough oxygen to the cells. A low red blood cell (RBC) count can cause a variety of symptoms and health complications.
How long does it take for MCV to return to normal?
Stopping heavy drinking allows the bone marrow to recover, and the MCV usually returns to normal within two months.
What does it mean if I have low MCV?
Iron deficiency anemia.
How can I lower my MCV blood count?
Symptoms of abnormal MCV (either high of low) may include: Fatigue or weakness.
What are the causes of high MCV count?
Alcoholism or Aplastic Anemia. Macrocytosis is the condition of excess large RBCs and can cause chronic liver disease.
What causes high MCV levels?
Cirrhosis (a type of disease that destroys the liver) can cause high MCV levels. Another cause of a high MCV level is alcohol abuse. Hypothyroidism can cause the MCV level to be too high. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in front of the neck