Doctor identifies causes of elevated hemoglobin and highlights actions to avoid
The doctor explained why high hemoglobin levels occur (Photo: Screenshot)
Anemia is a problem of low hemoglobin that many people encounter. However, there are also cases when hemoglobin rises above the norm. This issue occurs less frequently, but it's worth knowing about.
The causes of high hemoglobin are explained by family doctor Mykhailo Tsiurak on Instagram.
What level of hemoglobin in the blood is considered higher than normal?
The upper limit of the normal range for hemoglobin is 179 g/L in men and 149 g/L in women. Higher levels require more detailed patient examination and investigation into the cause of the elevated hemoglobin.
Causes of elevated hemoglobin
There are physiological (not related to diseases) and pathological reasons for such elevation.
Physiological reasons:
- Living in mountainous regions.
- Inadequate water intake and excessive meat consumption.
- Engaging in sports (in professional athletes).
Pathological reasons:
- Bone marrow diseases (polycythemia).
- Thyroid gland diseases (hyperthyroidism).
- Kidney diseases (renal insufficiency).
- Chronic hepatitis and liver tumors.
- Heart defects.
- Chronic lung diseases, especially those related to prolonged smoking.
- Dehydration.
Physiological causes of high hemoglobin are easily corrected: drinking more water, limiting meat consumption, or simply doing nothing (for residents of high-altitude areas or athletes, elevated hemoglobin is normal). However, it is advisable to undergo further examination if, in addition to high hemoglobin, there are additional health complaints.
The doctor also warned that there is no need to take blood-thinning medications (aspirin, clopidogrel) with high hemoglobin.
They will not lower its level but may cause side effects if taken incorrectly.
In addition, it has recently been revealed that a cardiologist named the examination that should be periodically undergone.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
