Hemoglobin is a protein present in our blood, which carries blood and is made up of Iron and various types of protein.
If a person has insufficient hemoglobin level in their blood, that condition is called ‘anemia’,
In this case, a lack of healthy RBC causes weakness and trouble breathing.
High Hemoglobin is known as polycythemia.
A high haemoglobin count indicates an above-normal level of iron-containing protein in red blood cells (1).
The normal Hemoglobin level for males is 14 to 18 g/dl and for females is 12 to 16 g/dl (g/per deciliter). More than these are considered high.
HG depends on a personage, race, gender, and condition.
A high HG level can be a sign of a rare blood disease, called ‘polycythemia’.
In polycythemia, the body produces a lot of blood, making the blood thicker than normal.
Causes of High Hemoglobin
Contents
It can be caused by various factors such as
- Smoking
- A bone marrow disorder, In which it produces too many RBCs.
- Certain medicines
- Dehydration
- Living in high altitude
- Kidney, heart, and lung diseases
- Heavy vomiting
- lifestyle factors
- Too much exercise
- Taking steroids drugs
- Large erythropoietin formation
Learn – Low Hemoglobin: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Symptoms of High Hemoglobin
There are various symptoms which include:
- Joint pain
- Swelling at joints
- weight loss
- Fatigues
- sweating more than usual
- Bleeding on nose
- Itchiness
- feeling exhausted
- Headache
- Reddish skin
However, all these symptoms can also indicate some other illness, its better to talk to your doctor.
How do doctors diagnose It?
By looking at your symptoms, doctors find out whether it is a complaint of hemoglobin or some other issues.
It is very easy to check Hg level, just blood tests are required. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand (2).
NOTE: If you have weakness, then definitely get your hemoglobin checked.
Your doctor may also recommend additional tests to determine the cause of high hemoglobin levels.
This test can look for conditions like why the body will produce many RBCs and which thing is hindering your supply of oxygen.
Treatment of High Hemoglobin
The treatment for polycythemia is generally dependent on the cause.
The doctor may recommend some medications that lower your high Hg level.
- Several drugs have been considered to suppress the abnormal production of RBC.
- Antiplatelet agents and Aspirin may also be beneficial for reducing clotting complications unless the patient has a history of bleeding problems.
The doctor may recommend ‘phlebotomy’ (inserting a needle into your vein release blood until the HG comes to a normal level)
Who is At High Risk?
Smokers – It is the major reason for High HG, Therefore, smoking can be a significant risk factor for polycythemia.
High altitude – People living at high altitudes are also at higher risk of developing High HG levels.
Genetic – Family history is another major reason for both High and Low HG.
Pollution – Car exhaust, factories, underground tunnels, and garages increase the risk of polycythemia.
Complication
The complication may increase even more. if the thickness of the blood continues to increase its viscosity.
Potential complications are included:
- Blood clot – which leads to strokes, heart attack, and blockage in our several arteries.
- Excessive bleeding
- Cancer
- kidney dysfunction, stone, and gout, due to the excretion of the byproducts of red blood cell degradation may overburden the kidneys
- Heart failure, due to lung disease
In infants, blood thickness can affect their blood circulation which leads to kidney issues, high BP, hypoxia, and stomach problems.
Prevention Tips
It can be prevented by not coming in excessive contact with carbon monoxide gas (car exhaust) and avoiding smoking.
Decreasing the risk of heart failure, such as high BP, and diabetes, also potentially reduces the risk of High HG levels.
In the case of genetic and high HG disorders are not preventable. In this case, it would be better to consult a doctor.
When To Talk To The Doctor?
In cases of difficulty in breathing, this may be a symptom of stroke.
Moreover, any type of difficulty call the doctor, and they will give you the right advice, according to your condition.
Down Line
People living at high altitudes are also at higher risk of developing High HG levels.
These symptoms can also indicate some other disease, so make sure that if you seen this symptom then consult a doctor.
In infants, blood thickness can affect their poor blood circulation and several organs which causes kidney issues, high BP, and hypoxia.
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