MCV is one of the variables of a complete blood count. It is applied to understand the size of red blood cells and provides information about red blood cells. It is responsible for red blood cells sending oxygen to structures. The normal MCV value in the body may vary according to age and gender.
What does low MCV indicate?
Low MCV can predispose to some disorders. The ideal MCV level may vary from person to person, but an MCV below 80 fl is considered low. Low MCV is called "microcytic anemia", which means that the red blood cells are smaller than the usual size. This low MCV can sometimes cause serious problems such as high blood pressure, shock, coronary artery disease, stenosis and insufficiency, which require urgent attention. The most common types of microcytic anemia are as follows;
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Mediterranean anemia
- Lead poisoning
- Having any chronic disease
- Sideroblastic anemia
- Other causes are vitamin deficiency, heavy alcohol consumption and medications.
What are the symptoms of low MCV?
MCV levels that are too low or too high are not healthy. An abnormal MCV level can cause different symptoms depending on the extent of the high or low level. Some of the symptoms of low MCV are as follows;
- Excessive fatigue
- Fatigue
- Power loss
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Pale skin
- Hair loss
- Deterioration of the structure of the nails
Apart from these, anemia problems may develop due to reasons such as low vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency. This may adversely affect the MCV value. Individuals experiencing such symptoms should consult health institutions and have blood tests including complete blood count.
What does high MCV indicate?
It includes cases where the MCV value is higher than 100 fl. The red blood cells or red blood cells are larger than normal and the complete blood count is low. This condition is called macrocytic anemia. Macrocytic anemias are generally categorized as megaloblastic or non-megaloblastic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia is caused by vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency. Non-megaloblastic macrocytic anemia can be caused by liver dysfunction, alcohol, certain pills and more rare genetic problems. We can list the causes of high MCV as follows;
- Liver dysfunction
- Underactive thyroid hormones
- Consuming too much alcohol
- Stomach surgery
- Anemia
- After kidney transplant
- Taking too much medicine
- Lung disease
- MDS
- Hemolytic anemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Medicines with side effects
What are the symptoms of high MCV?
If the MCV level is above 100, it is considered that the cells are enlarged, called macrocytosis. Some of the symptoms that occur in high MCV levels are as follows;
- Excessive fatigue
- Fatigue
- Lack of appetite
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue from overexertion
- Shortness of breath
- Neurological symptoms such as forgetfulness, numbness, loss of balance
- Sensitivity of the tongue and inside the mouth
- Difficulty concentrating
- Inability to pay attention
What is a Normal MCV Value?
Normal MCV ranges are accepted as 80-100. It indicates that the size of the red blood cells is normal. Even if your value is normal, there is a possibility that you may be anemic. This condition is called normocytic anemia. We can list the causes of normocytic anemia as follows;
- Rapid blood loss
- Prosthetic heart valve
- Tumors
- Kidney disease
- Disruption of the endocrine system
- Aplastic anemia
- Germs in the blood
How is low MCV treated?
Iron deficiency, iron pills and vitamin C supplements are given. This treatment may take 3-4 months. Then a complete blood count and serum iron levels are checked. If there is heavy bleeding, hormonal hormone drugs are prescribed according to the disorder of the menstrual cycle. If microcytic anemia is characterized by a chronic condition, a treatment plan for the underlying conditions is applied. If there is lead poisoning, drugs are used accordingly. If there is copper deficiency, copper supplementation is provided. In chronic alcoholism, alcohol treatment is applied to the person. In genetically transmitted extreme anemia diseases, people are treated by regularly giving appropriate blood. No intensive treatment is applied for patients with extreme anemia. Helicobacter bacteria are treated with appropriate antibiotic drugs.