Final answer:
A higher than normal reticulocyte count may indicate an underlying condition such as polycythemia vera, which can have negative effects on blood circulation and overall health.
Step-by-step explanation:
A high reticulocyte count may be a cause for concern because it indicates increased production of immature red blood cells. This can occur in conditions such as polycythemia vera, where there is excessive production of immature erythrocytes. Polycythemia vera can lead to elevated blood viscosity, increased blood pressure, and difficulty for the heart to pump blood effectively throughout the body.
For example, in polycythemia vera, there is an abnormal overproduction of red blood cells in the bone marrow. This leads to an increased number of immature reticulocytes in the bloodstream, resulting in a higher than normal reticulocyte count. This can be concerning because it can affect blood flow and increase the risk of complications.
In summary, a higher than normal reticulocyte count may indicate an underlying condition such as polycythemia vera, which can have negative effects on blood circulation and overall health.