Ask A Doctor: What Does It Mean If My Mcv Is High? How Do You Treat High Mcv?

Mean Corpuscular Volume image

Expert opinion from Marcelle Freire

Doctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience · Brazil

Mean corpuscular volume, or MCV, is a hematimetric indicator that we obtain through the exam called hemogram, which translates the average size of red blood cells for us. This volume, when altered, whether greater or less than the spectrum of normality, may mean that some pathology is affecting the production of red blood cells, directly or indirectly. In general, a high MCV indicates a problem in the production of red blood cells, something that can occur both in some nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency) and in some health conditions such as chronic alcoholism, for example. As there is no single cause that alters the MCV, the treatment, notably, will depend on the correct diagnosis of the cause. In the case of chronic alcoholics, for example, an adequate diet and cessation of alcohol consumption is essential, while in nutritional deficiencies, it is important to precisely identify the cause of this deficiency (which can be a reduction in intake, but also some health problems can cause malabsorption of nutrients) so that it is corrected and the MCV reverted to the limits of normality.

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Expert opinion from Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume of red blood cells. A high MCV means the average size of all the person’s red blood cells is greater than normal. Many people have a slightly high MCV and unless they also have anemia (a low total red blood cell count), it most often does not indicate an underlying condition. When a person has anemia and a high MCV, the potential causes include vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, a liver problem, drinking too much alcohol, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and several other much less common conditions. A high MCV poses no danger. The goal is to determine if there is an underlying condition and treat it accordingly.

Expert opinion from Marcella Abunahman Pereira

Specialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience · Brazil

High MCV means that red blood cells are too large and indicates macrocytic anemia. This condition can be caused by several factors including low folate or vitamin B12 levels, chemotherapy, hypothyroidism, alcoholism, liver disease or the use of certain medications. To treat high MCV you will need to make contact with your doctor who will identify the cause and offer specific treatment as there is no standard one.

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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.