Understanding High RDW Blood Test Results
High RDW in a blood test may signal anaemia or nutrient deficiencies. Learn what causes it, the symptoms to watch for, and how to manage it effectively.
Written by Dr. Siri Nallapu
Reviewed by Dr. D Bhanu Prakash MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Last updated on 8th Aug, 2025
Introduction
If you’ve recently received a blood test report showing a high Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), you might be wondering what it means and whether you should be concerned. Don’t worry—this article will help you understand RDW, why it might be high, and what steps you can take next.
What is RDW?
RDW stands for Red Cell Distribution Width, a measure of the variation in the size of your red blood cells (RBCs). Normally, red blood cells are fairly uniform in size. However, if there’s a significant difference between the smallest and largest RBCs, your RDW will be higher than normal.
A high RDW suggests that your body may be struggling with certain health conditions, such as anaemia, nutritional deficiencies, or chronic diseases.
What Does a High RDW Mean?
A high RDW indicates that your red blood cells vary greatly in size. This can happen due to:
1. Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, or folate can lead to irregularly sized RBCs.
2. Anaemia: Conditions like iron-deficiency anaemia, pernicious anaemia (B12 deficiency), or hemolytic anaemia can cause high RDW.
3. Chronic Diseases: Liver disease, kidney disease, or inflammatory conditions may affect RBC production.
4. Blood Loss or Haemorrhage: Sudden blood loss can temporarily increase RDW.
5. Bone Marrow Disorders: Conditions like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) can affect RBC production.
Symptoms of High RDW
Since high RDW is often linked to anaemia or other underlying conditions, you may experience:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Cold hands and feet
If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor for further evaluation.
How to Manage High RDW?
1. Identify the Underlying Cause
Since high RDW is not a disease itself but a sign of an underlying issue, your doctor may recommend additional tests like:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check haemoglobin, RBC count, and other parameters.
- Iron, Vitamin B12, and Folate Tests: To detect deficiencies.
- Liver and Kidney Function Tests: If chronic diseases are suspected.
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2. Improve Your Diet
If nutritional deficiencies are the cause, focus on:
- Iron-rich foods: Spinach, lentils, red meat, and fortified cereals.
- Vitamin B12 sources: Eggs, dairy, fish, and fortified plant-based milk.
- Folate-rich foods: Leafy greens, beans, and citrus fruits.
3. Lifestyle Changes
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports healthy blood circulation.
- Exercise Regularly: Moderate activity improves oxygen flow in the body.
- Avoid Alcohol & Smoking: These can worsen blood-related conditions.
4. Medical Treatment
Depending on the cause, your doctor may prescribe:
- Iron or vitamin supplements (if deficient).
- Medications for chronic diseases affecting RBC production.
- Blood transfusions (in severe anaemia cases).
When to See a Doctor?
If your RDW is high, don’t panic, but do follow up with a healthcare provider, especially if you have symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or pale skin. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
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Book a Consultation or Lab Test with Apollo 24|7
If you need further evaluation, Apollo 24|7 offers:
- Expert doctor consultations (online or in-person).
- Comprehensive blood tests to check RDW, iron levels, and more.
- Personalised treatment plans based on your results.
Schedule a test or consult a doctor today for a detailed assessment.
Conclusion
A high RDW is not a disease but a signal that something may be affecting your red blood cells. With proper diagnosis and care, most underlying causes are manageable. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and following medical advice can help restore healthy blood cell levels.
If you have concerns about your RDW results, reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance. Stay informed, stay healthy!
Consult Top Physician For More Health Benefits
Consult Top Physician For More Health Benefits
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Dr. D Bhanu Prakash
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Consult Top Physician For More Health Benefits
Dr. M L Ezhilarasan
General Practitioner
6 Years • MBBS
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr D M Karthik
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS, Fellowship in Diabetes Mellitus, Advance certificate in Diabetes Mellitus, Derma Nutrition Certification
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Mohammed Kamran
General Practitioner
5 Years • MBBS, FIDM
Nashik
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Maharashtra, Nashik
Dr. Suraja Nutulapati
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
(875+ Patients)
Dr. D Bhanu Prakash
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Get Your Health Assessed Here
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