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When it comes to haemoglobin, most of us believe it to be the amount of blood in the body. But in reality, in a Complete Blood Count (CBC), haemoglobin levels are measured to assess the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in Red Blood Cells (RBCs) that help carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body.
While for men, the normal range of haemoglobin levels is around 13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter (g/dL), for women, it is typically 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL. Lower than the expected range can lead to various complications, including anaemia, which mostly affects young children, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
But did you know that high or excess haemoglobin levels can also pose a risk to your health? In this article, we will discuss the common causes and the complications that may arise if left untreated.
Common Causes Of High Haemoglobin Levels
High haemoglobin levels usually occur when the RBCs have an unusually high amount of the blood protein haemoglobin, which is most often caused by low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia), present over a long period of time, explains Dr Mukesh Budhwani, MBBS, MD Medicine, Apollo Clinic, Viman Nagar, Pune.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Mahesh Rajashekaraiah, Head and Chief Consultant Haematologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician, SPARSH Hospital, Bengaluru, suggests that the condition could occur due to various factors, such as chronic hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the blood), smoking, or certain medical conditions like polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease that causes an abnormal increase in RBCs.
According to the doctor, this condition thickens the blood and hinders its smooth flow, potentially leading to severe health implications. Research suggests that it is a rare blood disorder with a prevalence of an estimated 22 cases per 100,000 people.
What Happens When You Have Excess Haemoglobin Levels?
High levels of haemoglobin in the body can lead to various symptoms. These include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Easy bruising
- Excessive sweating
- Difficulty breathing
In severe cases, it may cause more serious complications, including clots, heart attacks, and strokes.
Dr Budhwani says that it is a serious, lifelong condition that can be fatal without treatment.
“Dehydration, smoking, or living at high altitudes may also cause high haemoglobin. It may also signal other conditions, such as lung or heart disease,” he added.
Treatment Options
According to Rajashekaraiah, treating high haemoglobin levels involves addressing the underlying cause.
“If related to smoking, cessation is crucial.
“In cases like Polycythaemia Vera, therapeutic phlebotomy, a process similar to blood donation, is employed to reduce excessive RBCs,” he shared.
Apart from that, lifestyle changes, like drinking plenty of water, quitting smoking, and stopping the consumption of iron-containing multivitamins, can also help, as per Dr Budhwani.
Conclusion
As concerning as low haemoglobin levels are, having high levels of the protein can also be as damaging. It is important to maintain sufficient levels by taking the necessary measures and getting regular blood tests. Remember, monitoring is vital to detecting the condition early and preventing complications. Consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis, proper treatment plans, and regular follow-ups.
