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19.10.2019

Increased hemoglobin in the blood: causes, signs, symptoms, danger. Causes and treatment of increased hemoglobin in women Why does hemoglobin increase in women

Hemoglobin is a common indicator that determined by any blood test. This glandular protein, located in red blood cells, is able to capture oxygen molecules and transport them to tissues and organs. Many people worry if this indicator is low, but what to do if the hemoglobin level is off the charts? Is this dangerous for the body? Next, we will try to find out why there is increased hemoglobin in women, how it manifests itself externally and why it is dangerous for health.

Hemoglobin is protein molecule, which is located in the erythrocyte cell. Its unique ability to capture oxygen and carbon dioxide helps to carry out the respiratory function of the entire body.

Receiving oxygen in the lungs, these cells strive for all tissues and organs, carrying out gas exchange.


Hemoglobin bodies are very important in the body because they help assess the level of oxygen supply and the rate of metabolic processes. The consequences of low hemoglobin levels are the development of anemia. Most often, this condition manifests itself in pregnant women, due to an increase in the total blood mass. An excess suggests that the number of hemoglobin bodies in the body has increased, which means the development of erythrocytosis.

It is worth noting that high hemoglobin levels in women are extremely rare. Much more often, representatives of the fair sex suffer from a lack of glandular protein due to monthly bleeding. Why then are the indicators higher than normal? To do this, it is worth considering two key reasons causing the development of this condition.

Firstly, an increase in the number of red blood cells may occur due to a decrease in blood plasma. In this case, the blood becomes thicker, it is more difficult for it to move through the vessels, and the entire cardiovascular system experiences increased stress. A decrease in the amount of plasma in the total blood volume is most often provoked by dehydration. Women, in pursuit of an ideal figure, often limit themselves not only to sweets, but also to drinks. The false belief that water is deposited in tissues and causes an increase in the volume of body parts leads to the development of such a dangerous condition as dehydration. If a person can live without food for a week, then without water - no more than 3 days.

Secondly, hormonal imbalance, which can provoke accelerated synthesis of red blood cells due to a false signal about a lack of oxygen in tissues. This phenomenon most often occurs in women after 40 years of age, when hormonal levels gradually begin to fade.

High hemoglobin levels must be controlled, since an excess is no less dangerous than a lack.

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Anna Poniaeva. She graduated from the Nizhny Novgorod Medical Academy (2007-2014) and Residency in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (2014-2016).

To do this, the root cause of the development of this condition should be identified, after which corrective treatment will be selected, which ultimately helps to achieve a decrease in hemoglobin.

What values ​​are considered elevated?

Normally, the amount of hemoglobin should be within the range 115-140 g/l blood. In the case when the upper limit moves up by 3-5-10 units, then there is no need to worry. The reason for this phenomenon may lie in the individual characteristics of the body, living conditions, as well as intense sports activities. For your information, women who are professional swimmers and divers have a hemoglobin of at least 145 g/l, which in their case is the absolute norm and does not cause complications.


Highlight three degrees of increased hemoglobin, which differ from each other in terms of health hazard:

  1. A slight increase (150-160 g/l) affects overall well-being, as well as performance. Requires nutritional correction and maintenance of water balance, which together has a reducing effect on hemoglobin levels.
  2. A dangerous increase (160-180 g/l) – puts an increased burden on the body, and also provokes the development of irreversible processes. Requires a comprehensive examination and medical care.
  3. An extremely high level (over 180 g/l) indicates the presence of serious health problems, and also requires immediate hospitalization and stabilization of the condition with medication.

Elevated indicators indicate the presence of health problems, so you should understand the reasons for what is happening and eliminate them.

It is not worth making the correction yourself, since it is impossible to identify the root cause at home.

Increased levels during pregnancy and after childbirth

If pregnant total blood volume increases, accordingly, the number of red blood cells rapidly decreases. Most often, anemia develops, which indicates a lack of hemoglobin in the body. But in some cases, high hemoglobin during pregnancy can be diagnosed. Typically, its concentration peaks in the second trimester, when the placenta is actively forming. During hormonal changes, the body experiences some stress, so the synthesis of red blood cells can increase, which is where high levels “pop up”.

During childbirth, there is serious blood loss for the body, so the body’s protective function is activated and red blood cells are produced by bone marrow cells 2-3 times faster.

In the postpartum period, the presence of erythrocytosis is normal, but after 2-3 weeks all blood counts should return to normal. If this does not happen, then it is necessary to identify the cause and eliminate it.

It should be noted that increased hemoglobin in the blood of women during pregnancy must be constantly monitored. When high levels appear in a general blood test, this indicates the presence of health problems in the mother, as well as the development of a threat to the child’s life.

In the case when a pregnant woman’s hemoglobin is at high levels for a long time and rapidly increases with each subsequent study, then drastic measures should be taken. Usually the woman is hospitalized and prescribed blood thinners. Lack of regulation of hemoglobin levels provokes the development of thromboembolism, when the blood becomes very thick and its movement through the vascular system slows down.

This condition is extremely dangerous, since slow blood circulation does not allow the fetus to receive the necessary nutrition, as a result of which the rate of development may decrease and defects may form.

Symptoms and signs

Let's consider the symptoms that manifest themselves with high hemoglobin levels, taking into account the degree of increase. With a slight increase in the level of glandular protein in the blood, there are usually no obvious symptoms. A woman may notice such unpleasant signs as:

  • lack of appetite;
  • decreased physical activity;
  • fast fatiguability;
  • sudden mood changes;
  • desire to sleep more than 10 hours a day.
This clinical picture is typical for many diseases, so it is almost impossible to suspect something is wrong in the early stages of erythrocytosis without a blood test.

When the level of 180 g/l is reached, the condition of the female body rapidly deteriorates:

  • blood pressure increases;
  • pulsation is felt in the temples;
  • prolonged migraine-type headaches appear;
  • drowsiness and irritability increase.

In the case when the indicators exceed the mark of 180 g/l, the clinical picture has more intense symptoms, among which:

  • swelling of the veins and strong pulsation in the temples;
  • feeling of thirst;
  • blueness of fingertips;
  • yellowness of the palms and sclera of the eyes due to increased load on the liver;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • acute reaction to light and sound.

High hemoglobin levels indicate that the blood is becoming too thick. This dangerous condition puts increased stress on the liver and other organs.

Only a doctor can tell you what to do in this case and how to help the body.

Reasons for the increase

All factors that can provoke high hemoglobin in women can be divided into three groups:

Heredity– quite often occurs when a high level of hemoglobin in the absence of pathologies is a consequence of gene transmission from parents. If one of the parents has this problem, then there is a high probability that the child will inherit it. If there is a genetic predisposition, when hemoglobin is increased, no measures are required

However, it is necessary to constantly monitor the state of your own health, as well as the dynamics of changes in the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Having health problems– some diseases can affect the quantitative and qualitative composition of the blood, so the level of red blood cells may be increased. This is facilitated by the progression of diseases such as:

  • diabetes;
  • inflammatory processes of internal organs;
  • oncological diseases;
  • pathologies of hematopoietic function;
  • diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Quite often, an increase in hemoglobin is associated with the presence of cancer, as well as inflammatory processes that occur in a chronic form.

External factors - this group includes all pathogenic factors that can influence the quantitative and qualitative composition of the blood.

These include:

  1. Smoking - when you inhale cigarette smoke, a complex chemical reaction occurs in the blood, resulting in the formation of carboxyhemoglobin. This stable compound saturates the blood. But it is not capable of transporting oxygen.
  2. Stress – as a result of prolonged stressful situations, a signal about a lack of oxygen is formed in the brain, so the bone marrow cells intensively produce red blood cells, of which there are more in the body than needed.
  3. Long-term living high in the mountains, where the air is as rarefied and saturated as possible.
  4. Dehydration of the body - with a decrease in fluid intake, the volume of plasma in the total blood volume rapidly decreases. As a result, larger fractions of blood in the absence of liquid content cannot fully pass through the vessels, slowing down metabolic processes.
  5. Strong physical activity - especially for women who engage in professional sports.
It is possible to reliably establish why hemoglobin is elevated only with the help of a comprehensive examination by a specialist.

Dangers and Consequences

Many patients who go to donate blood are sure that the higher the hemoglobin level, the better. This opinion is erroneous, since high levels indicate excessive blood thickening. It would seem that the more oxygen is transported throughout the body, the better. But that's not true! In the presence of thick blood, metabolic processes are slowed down by 3-4 times, and most internal organs do not receive the required volumes of oxygen in the same way as with anemia. Therefore, you should know how to lower hemoglobin in the blood even before the body’s condition begins to rapidly deteriorate.

Prolonged oxygen starvation caused by high blood viscosity has such detrimental effects on the body as:

  • increased load on the heart and, as a result, the development of heart attack and heart attack, especially after 50 years;
  • cerebrovascular stroke;
  • vein thrombosis;
  • development of varicose veins;
  • inability to bear and give birth;
  • development of infertility;
  • decreased vision;
  • development of kidney pathologies;
  • formation of chronic arterial hypertension.
Due to metabolic disorders, there is a high probability of developing neoplasms, which is triggered by the accumulation of waste and toxins in the tissues.

Arterial hypertension puts increased stress on the heart, which means that it may fail at any time. This once again confirms the need to correct the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

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The concept of low hemoglobin in a blood test has become more familiar and widespread. Most people far from medicine have not even heard about the phenomenon of increased hemoglobin in women, so it is worth finding out all the details on this issue.

Causes

Among other things, an increase in hemoglobin in girls leads to some gynecological problems, long and painful menstruation.

A pathological increase in hemoglobin in the blood can provoke angina pain and.

To recognize increased hemoglobin in women and what indicators indicate disorders in the body, you need to build on accepted standards.

With a norm of 120 – 140 g/l, exceeding these limits is an alarming symptom for the female body. 170 g/l and above is a critical level, the presence of which requires urgent assistance from a specialist.

The listed manifestations are only external; more serious processes occur inside, they are much more dangerous for the body. The blood becomes thicker, forming plaques and which cause a heart attack or.


Nutrition

It is necessary to reduce the hemoglobin level immediately after clinical confirmation of an overestimated indicator. First of all, the woman’s diet and her regimen with high hemoglobin should be reconsidered.

It is necessary to exclude foods with a high iron content from consumption: meat, especially beef; meat by-products, especially liver; cereals, in particular buckwheat; red fruits and berries; black currant; smoked; milk with a high percentage of fat content.

Alcohol is not acceptable. It is necessary to carefully consider the composition of products for food additives. Limiting the body's absorption of animal fats will prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques in the blood and reduce the likelihood of vascular blockage. Don’t get too carried away with baked goods and all kinds of sweets.


Ways to reduce

If hyperhemoglobinemia is functional in nature, then it is enough to remove the stimulus that provokes this phenomenon. For example, a change in hot climate and an increase in water consumption automatically lowers the hemoglobin indicator in the analysis.

To cause diseases, special treatment for increased hemoglobin in women is necessary. You should start with the above diet therapy.

To make the blood less viscous, blood thinning medications are used, such as: Aspirin, Cardiomagnyl, Magnicor, Trental and others. They normalize. Such drugs are taken only after a medical examination and passing all the necessary tests.

The dosage and period of treatment are determined under the constant supervision of a doctor and monitoring of blood counts. There is a procedure called erythrophoresis, which involves removing red blood cells from the bloodstream. It is used in extremely rare cases when other methods are powerless.

An additional therapeutic effect is provided by making changes to a woman’s lifestyle. Active physical activity, hardening, swimming and regular walks in the air have a restorative effect on the bone marrow, which regulates the production of hemoglobin.

Folk remedies

When a woman’s elevated hemoglobin is laboratory confirmed, you can immediately resort to drug treatment, but there are other methods.

Treatment of elevated hemoglobin in women with folk remedies is considered as an option. This method not only works, but in some cases copes with the problem even more effectively than the traditional one.

Even in times far from in-depth biological research, people found ways to heal. For this purpose they were widely used. Freshly picked woodlice was added to the salad, and plants such as chickweed and fireweed should also be added to the food.

No matter how trite it sounds, it was not always useless as a panacea for all diseases; with high hemoglobin it is effective. To carry out the procedure, they resort to the help of leeches. They don’t just “drink” blood, but normalize blood composition and stabilize hemoglobin.


Shilajit has become another means of combating increased hemoglobin in women. This is a combination of inorganic matter with organic matter, which originates in caves and mountain crevices in Asia. Shilajit quickly dissolves in an aqueous solution. Treatment for high hemoglobin lasts ten days, you need to take a tablet before bed. Then a five-day break and the same course. Mumiyo should absolutely not be mixed with alcohol. You should stop taking any sedatives and hypnotics.

We cannot remain silent about the fact that folk remedies are good only in cases where the increase in hemoglobin levels is not caused by serious problems of internal organs or latent autoimmune diseases. When hemoglobin increases to 170 g/l, turning to traditional medicine is immediate.

It is important to take into account that the positive result of treatment with folk remedies significantly depends on the individual characteristics of each specific organism and on the specific reaction to stimuli from the external environment.

Increased hemoglobin in women should not be ignored under any circumstances. Undesirable consequences will not be long in coming.

Hemoglobin - This is a component of our blood. It is contained in red blood cells. In a general (clinical) blood test, hemoglobin is designated as Hb or Hgb, the units of measurement are g/l (grams per liter).

Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs of our body. Hemoglobin also produces the opposite effect - removing carbon dioxide from tissues and organs into the lungs. Thanks to this, our organs function and we live.

For normal functioning of the body, the level of hemoglobin in the blood should be on average 120-140 g/l in women and 130-160 g/l in men. Why is high hemoglobin observed?

Increased hemoglobin in the blood of women

According to international standards, the upper limit of normal hemoglobin for women is 150 g/l. The permissible deviation is up to 155 g/l at the age of 18 to 45 years and up to 160 g/l at the age of 45 to 65 years.

Most often, in women, the hemoglobin level is increased due to blood thickening. This phenomenon is caused by a violation of the blood coagulation system. This situation is dangerous due to the formation of blood clots (vein thrombosis). Therefore, when receiving the result of a general blood test, which shows an increase in hemoglobin, you should additionally donate blood for a hemostasiogram (coagulogram).

If the diagnosis is confirmed, you will need to consult a doctor to prescribe blood thinners (Thrombo Assa, Aspirin Cardio, etc.). If there are varicose veins, the phlebologist may additionally prescribe a venotonic drug, for example, Phlebodia 600.


Also, in women after 40 years of age, an increase in hemoglobin can be observed due to chronic heart failure, arterial hypertension, diabetes, increased swelling or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a distinct disease that causes partially irreversible airway obstruction.

Symptoms of this disease are cough, phlegm and a characteristic type of shortness of breath. The disease is slowly progressive. Absolutely the entire pulmonary system is gradually involved in the inflammatory process and, ultimately, the patient becomes disabled.


Treatment is carried out depending on the reasons for the increase in hemoglobin, for example, for hypertension, drugs that lower blood pressure are taken, and for diabetes, insulin is taken.



If an increased level of hemoglobin is detected once, then the reason for this may be slight dehydration or severe emotional stress experienced on the eve of the test.

Dehydration can be caused by prolonged diarrhea, excessive and frequent vomiting, insufficient water intake and/or use of diuretics.

It is necessary to replenish fluid loss by drinking plenty of fluids and using a rehydration solution (Rehydron, Reosolan, Orasan, etc.).


Women with increased sweating and low water consumption during the day, as well as those representatives of the fair sex who suffer, may also experience an increase in hemoglobin in the blood.

Losing weight through fasting also causes an increase in hemoglobin in the blood, and in critical situations, on the contrary, it decreases. But in any case, if you are on a strict diet and your hemoglobin is not normal, then you are putting your own health at great risk!

Increased hemoglobin during pregnancy


Physiologically, it is assumed that with increasing pregnancy, the blood thickens. Too thick blood prevents the normal supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, so it is necessary to regularly monitor the situation by donating blood for a coagulogram (hemostasiogram).

An increased level of hemoglobin during pregnancy is the first alarm bell to check your blood for clotting.


Also, high hemoglobin may be a consequence of the fact that fluid from the vessels goes into the tissues, that is, edema appears. Often, elevated hemoglobin is a marker of developing gestosis (preeclampsia).



Symptoms of preeclampsia in the acute stage are increased blood pressure, edema, protein in the urine.


At the first symptoms of increased hemoglobin during pregnancy, the gynecologist may recommend drinking more fluids, but if the high level of hemoglobin persists for quite a long time, then you need to consult a hematologist who will prescribe additional tests to determine the reasons for the increase in hemoglobin.

If hemoglobin is increased due to increased blood clotting, the doctor will prescribe blood-thinning drugs (Curantil, Aspirin in small doses or Fraxiparine injections, etc.).

Increased hemoglobin in the blood of men

Men have higher hemoglobin levels than women because androgens (male hormones) stimulate an increase in the production of red blood cells. Women also have male hormones, but healthy women have them in small quantities. The normal level of hemoglobin in the blood of men is 130-160 g/l (up to 174 g/l is acceptable).

One of the reasons for increased hemoglobin may be smoking. In order not to distort the result of the analysis, it is necessary to refrain from a cigarette break at least 30 minutes before taking blood. It is also recommended not to drink alcohol the day before donating blood.

In men suffering from alcohol addiction, as well as in heavy smokers, the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood may be increased. Since in these cases the tissues of the internal organs suffer from a lack of oxygen (hypoxia).


After heavy physical activity, for physiological reasons, hemoglobin in the human body increases. Most men go to the gym to exercise on weight machines, so doctors recommend excluding physical activity on the day of the test (before blood sampling).



Residents of high mountains (as well as experienced climbers) observe an adaptation of the body to a lack of air. Since there is less oxygen in the mountains than at its foot, when going up, a person experiences oxygen starvation (hypoxia). As a result, the level of red blood cells (and therefore hemoglobin) in the blood increases to maintain the life support of the entire body.

This is a purely physiological process. But it takes time to form a stable increase in red blood cells in the blood. Therefore, a physiological (not pathological) increase in hemoglobin can only be attributed to the condition of permanent residence in high mountains or frequent trips to the peaks, which is observed among professional climbers and high-altitude pilots.

Increased hemoglobin in the child’s blood


In newborns up to 2 weeks of life, the level of hemoglobin in the blood should be in the range of 134-198 g/l. In infants from 2 weeks to 2 months, a hemoglobin level of 124-166 g/l is considered normal.

In a newly born child, hemoglobin is increased for physiological reasons, since, while in the womb, the child received less concentrated oxygen with the mother’s blood than after birth. Therefore, during the first 1-2 days of life (until the baby’s body has adapted), he has increased hemoglobin in his blood. Babies born with an entangled umbilical cord may also experience an increase in hemoglobin that lasts a short time (24 hours after birth). This is not a dangerous phenomenon.



If hemoglobin is high in a child 4 days of age or older, this may indicate prolonged hypoxia (oxygen starvation). In this case, hypoxia can be caused by damage to the central nervous system (in particular, the respiratory center) or pulmonary failure, impaired blood flow in the umbilical cord during intrauterine stay, prolonged difficult labor, or the presence of a congenital heart defect in the child.

An increase in hemoglobin of more than 200 g/l is also observed when capillaries are blocked due to blood thickening. In any case, medical examination and treatment are required.



From two months to 2 years, the norm is 110-132 g/l (permissible up to 140 g/l from 2 months to a year and up to 145 g/l from one to 2 years). Then, every year the upper limit of the norm increases by one. On average, up to 6 years, the upper limit of the norm is up to 145 g/l, and from 6 to 16 years – 150 g/l.

In children one year old and older, an increase in hemoglobin is most often observed due to insufficient water consumption (dehydration). Dr. Komarovsky talks about this in his lectures for responsible parents.


The child should drink compotes, teas, mineral water (not sweet and without gas) to replenish fluid losses during illness, active pastime and sweating, as well as in the heat and dry warm air in the apartment during the heating season.

Mother's milk, milk-based cocoa, juice, soup, drinking yogurt, etc. – this is not a drink, but food!


The above standards are the same regardless of the gender of the child until he turns 16 years old. From the age of 16, the norms for boys and girls correspond to the norms of adults.

Increased hemoglobin in urine

Detection of hemoglobin in urine is a bad sign. Normally, it should not be in the urine at all.

The presence of hemoglobin in the urine indicates that:

  • there is destruction of red blood cells with the release of hemoglobin in the urinary system (severe hemolytic anemia, transfusion of incompatible blood, severe infectious disease, extensive burns, sepsis);

In addition to the detection of hemoglobin in the urine, jaundice (yellowing of the eye sclera, oral mucosa and skin) is observed with hemolytic anemia.

  • there is such a high level of hemoglobin in the blood that it even enters the urine through the kidney filter (muscle damage during severe physical activity, myocardial infarction, etc.);
  • there are serious problems in the urinary system (kidney infarction, renal colic, bleeding in the urinary system of various origins).

In the presence of hemoglobin, urine becomes red or dark brown (black) in color.


If hemoglobin is detected in the urine, you must immediately consult a doctor! Further examination and urgent start of treatment is required!

Increased glycated hemoglobin

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c) allows you to estimate what the average blood sugar level was over the last 3 months. This analysis should be carried out if diabetes mellitus is suspected (pre-diabetic condition), as well as to monitor the condition of the diabetic and adjust the prescribed treatment.

Normally, glycated hemoglobin is 4-6.2%. An increase in glycated hemoglobin indicates prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) - 5.7-6.4% or already the presence of diabetes - 6.5% and higher.



Patients with diabetes should try to keep hemoglobin below 7%. This will reduce the likelihood of complications affecting the kidneys, cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as the eyes.


Also, glycated hemoglobin can be increased with a lack of iron in the blood or with a recent blood transfusion (blood stored with the addition of a glucose solution). If a blood transfusion has not been performed and you are not at risk for diabetes, then you should donate blood for a general analysis (red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, etc.), serum iron, ferritin and transferrin, and consult a general practitioner.

If there is iron deficiency anemia (reduced hemoglobin, red blood cells and iron levels in the blood), then an iron supplement will be prescribed. Otherwise, the therapist will refer the patient to an endocrinologist.

When an endocrinologist diagnoses “type 2 diabetes,” you can use diet No. 9 as a “treatment” (refusal to consume all sweets and foods with a high glycemic index). If you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you will not be able to do without insulin injections!

Hemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells. If a red blood cell were a rubber water balloon, hemoglobin would be water and rubber would be the cell membrane. This protein shows the iron content in the blood. And it performs an important function - it transfers oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body in exchange for carbon dioxide. Knowledge of the standard values ​​​​of cell content will help to understand when hemoglobin is increased in the blood of women and what this means in order to respond in time and avoid negative consequences for health.

What are the dangers of high hemoglobin levels in the blood?

A condition of low hemoglobin, called anemia, is more common than high blood counts. In this case, you should pay attention to the concentration of red blood cells. If they are proportional, then it is worth talking about physiological blood disorders. If red blood cells are normal or even lower, then this is a signal of the presence of pathologies in women and men.

A high concentration of red blood cells can make the blood thicker, which can slow blood flow through the veins, capillaries and arteries. This can lead to obstruction of blood vessels and the deposition of cholesterol on their walls. This increases the load on the cardiovascular system, which is dangerous for the development of complications and mental disorders.

Reasons for overestimated values

The cause of high hemoglobin in blood cells can be both physiological processes in the body and serious health problems. Natural causes of increased hemoglobin in the blood (hyperhemoglobinemia) include:

  • living in high mountain areas;
  • hard physical labor and sports;
  • insufficient fluid intake;
  • exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide;
  • smoking;
  • stress;
  • alcohol abuse;
  • pregnancy;
  • excessive consumption of foods rich in vitamin B12 and B9 or taking vitamin complexes.

In mountainous areas there is less oxygen than in plains. As a result of this, a person who is in such conditions for a long time consumes less of the necessary oxygen. This can cause a lack of it in the blood, known as hypoxia. Trying to compensate for such an important element, the body spontaneously increases the production of red blood cells in the blood. The same situation applies to women who work as flight attendants.

A similar process occurs during prolonged, monotonous physical activity. The body responds to oxygen starvation with deep and rapid breathing, which causes increased formation of hemoglobin. But for changes in the composition of the blood to occur, it takes some time.

One of the most common reasons for high hemoglobin test readings is dehydration. When the level of fluid in the blood decreases due to insufficient fluid supply, the number of red blood cells increases.

Intestinal infections can also cause fluid loss. Due to diarrhea and vomiting, the body may become dehydrated. This provokes increased production of iron-containing protein. But this phenomenon is temporary, since if it continues for a long time, women may develop anemia.

A person chronically exposed to carbon monoxide may eventually develop secondary hyperhemoglobinemia. Houses with stoves or fireplaces must be well ventilated. If a proper outlet for the burnt gases is not provided, a person may develop oxygen deprivation and, as a result, an excess level of red blood cell constituents. Working in an underground mine may also increase the chances of developing this condition.

Smoking provokes the production of excessive hemoglobin cells. Studies have shown that smoking tobacco increases the concentration of iron-containing protein in men and women. In fact, the increase is usually proportional to the total amount of nicotine entering the body.

Excessive drinking can put a person at risk of developing hyperhemoglobinemia. It is noteworthy that a woman needs less alcohol to drink than a man in order for some changes to occur in the body.

In women during pregnancy, the body may malfunction due to the increased load and respond with an increased level of iron-containing blood cells.

What is the danger of high hemoglobin?

In some cases, high rates indicate the presence of serious pathologies. Among them:

  • genetic mutations;
  • cardiovascular diseases;
  • pulmonary failure;
  • Congenital heart defect;
  • diabetes.

For some people, high levels are due to a genetic mutation. This type of elevated red blood cell count is known as primary polycythemia (Vaquez disease). This is a blood disease that is a benign tumor process. The mutation occurs in the gene that is responsible for the production of red blood cells.

This disease causes the bone marrow to produce excess red blood cells and is more common in men over 40 than in women.

Women may be diagnosed with a high level of hemoglobin in their blood if they have heart disease. In particular, heart failure can lead to excess or elevated blood cell counts. The condition is caused by pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure, which puts extra strain on the heart as it tries to pump blood to the lungs. Autoimmune disease, cystic fibrosis, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and damaged lung tissue are other causes of hyperhemoglobinemia.

Any impairment of lung function leads to an overabundance of red blood cells. If the function of getting enough oxygen into the lungs is impaired, the body will begin to produce more red blood cells to compensate for the deficiency. Severe lung conditions, such as damaged or thickened lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis), can cause this problem.

Congenital heart disease, which causes certain birth defects in the organ, is another cause. Sometimes, when the two sides of the heart are not functioning properly, the level of oxygen in the blood drops. This causes increased production of hemoglobin.

Methods for determining hemoglobin content in blood

It is impossible to suspect a high level of hemoglobin, since symptoms in this condition are quite common in other diseases. Inflated values ​​can be detected during a general blood test.

Hemoglobin content standards

In women, the normal hemoglobin level is 120-140 g/l of blood, in men – 130-160 g/l. In pregnant women, the level may fall; this is a variant of the norm and is associated with the characteristics of the period of bearing a child.

In children, the norms of indicators are constantly changing. At birth they reach a maximum value, then within a few months they drop to a maximum of 100 g/l. By the age of 18, the norms gradually increase to adult values.

Symptoms that indicate increased hemoglobin

A person may not experience any symptoms if the hemoglobin level is slightly elevated. But when it is too high, symptoms that may occur include:

  • headache;
  • vision problems;
  • fatigue;
  • dizziness;
  • periods of mental confusion;
  • discomfort in the abdominal area;
  • nosebleeds;
  • disturbances in the activity of the genitourinary system;
  • prolonged and painful menstruation in women.

Depending on the condition causing the hemoglobin to rise, a person may experience other symptoms.

Hemoglobin test

Hemoglobin analysis is one of the components in a clinical blood test. This laboratory test is prescribed as a preventive measure for various diseases on a scheduled basis, once a year. The analysis is necessary if there are symptoms of various diseases, including acute respiratory infections.

Before carrying out planned surgical interventions, as well as vaccinations, a mandatory laboratory blood test is carried out. Pregnant women need to donate blood at least three times during the entire period of bearing a child. The first time is when registering, the next two times are in each trimester. In addition, additional blood tests may be needed during observation.

The procedure requires venous or capillary blood. The analysis itself is not the basis for making a specific diagnosis. This requires a more thorough examination using various methods.

How to lower hemoglobin levels in the blood

With hyperhemoglobinemia, hemoglobin levels must be reduced. There is no single miracle pill that can instantly solve the problem of reducing hemoglobin. Treatment must be comprehensive and prescribed exclusively by a doctor.

Medication

Methods of treatment and correction of elevated hemoglobin can be medicinal. Drugs that, as a result, reduce hemoglobin levels are aimed at thinning the blood and normalizing the coagulation function. Among them:

  • Cardiomagnyl;
  • Aspirin;
  • Chime;
  • Trental;
  • Aspecard.

Occasionally, physiotherapeutic procedures such as electrophoresis may be prescribed. Its essence is to influence the body using electric current. As a result, red blood cells are broken down and removed from the body.

Changing food

When treating hyperhemoglobinemia, it is necessary, first of all, to review nutrition and pay special attention to diet. It is worth limiting or completely eliminating foods containing iron. These include:

  • red meat (beef);
  • buckwheat;
  • red fruits;
  • offal (liver);
  • fat milk.

You should also completely avoid the consumption of alcohol, baked goods, sweets and food additives.

Products that lower hemoglobin

To normalize the level of hemoglobin in the blood, sufficient drinking regime should be observed. You need to drink clean water without gases, with a total volume of at least 2.5 liters.

Products that lower the iron content of the blood:

  • seafood;
  • sea ​​fish;
  • seaweed;
  • legumes;
  • dairy products;
  • oats and pearl barley.

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="https://prozdorovechko.ru/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/blood_cells.png" alt=" Increased hemoglobin in the blood" width="300" height="298" srcset="" data-srcset="https://i1.wp..png?w=300&ssl=1 300w, https://i1.wp..png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" data-recalc-dims="1"> Рассмотрим причины и симптомы такого явления, как повышенный гемоглобин, разные способы снижения гемоглобина — от медикаментозных до здорового образа жизни.!}

Popularly, increased hemoglobin in the blood is called thick blood.

When, for a number of reasons, a blood test shows high hemoglobin, this means that the optimal distance between red blood cells has been violated and they can begin to stick together at any moment.

The process is observed blood thickening, it clots faster.

Blood clotting is a protective function against blood loss from various wounds. When bleeding occurs, the blood closes and clots the hole.

A little history

In the early periods of history a person’s ability to survive depended on blood clotting for various types of injuries during hunting or war. In those days, having increased blood clotting was a big plus, a huge advantage compared to people who had normal blood clotting. With thick blood, a clot formed faster, closing the wound and preventing further blood loss, which saved the person’s life. In those days, the main cause of human death was injury.

Nowadays, when no one runs around all day after a mammoth or waves a spear in war, but sits at the computer, this ability of blood to quickly clot becomes dangerous, since it leads to blood clots and threatens premature death.

What does increased hemoglobin in the blood mean?

Increased hemoglobin in the blood has its own explanation. Normally, red blood cells are always negatively charged and in the bloodstream they repel each other, which gives them the opportunity move freely through the blood vessels, there is enough liquid between them - blood plasma. Digital blood indicators are normal and with low hemoglobin, see below:

High hemoglobin may appear during pregnancy as a result of the body being oversaturated with vitamin complexes containing iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. In any case, it is necessary to be examined.

Due to the increase in the number of women who smoke, increased blood viscosity began to be observed in them much more often and at a fairly young age. A symptom of thick blood can be long and painful periods.

An increase in hemoglobin levels in men is a consequence of an inactive lifestyle and bad habits:

  • smoking when the blood picture changes in the body due to the formation of a large amount of carboxyhemoglobin, and as compensation, hemoglobin synthesis increases
  • alcohol when the mucous tissue of the gastrointestinal tract is irritated, the absorption of folic acid and vitamin B12 is disrupted

The cause of cardiovascular disease cannot be ruled out. Simple dehydration may also occur, especially in hot climates. a high hemoglobin level may occur due to intoxication of the body, which causes diarrhea and severe vomiting.

As my favorite pediatrician Komarovsky says, if a healthy child has thickened blood, then look for where the child is losing moisture:

  • overly bundled up and sweating profusely
  • sleeps in a room that is too dry and warm
  • didn't drink enough fluids
  • the child got nervous
  • drank diuretic tea

It is necessary to answer the question of where we lose fluid - by humidifying dry air, by urinating or by sweating. Perhaps the child does not drink enough fluids. An increase in hemoglobin can be caused by an excess of vitamin C or iron in food.

As a result, we adjust the flow of fluid into the body, the temperature in the room and nutrition.

Causes of increased hemoglobin in the blood

Blood thickening and increased viscosity can be:

  1. temporary a phenomenon during a long flight, loss of moisture, small amount of fluid consumed, and in this case it is called falsely elevated hemoglobin
  2. chronic or persistently elevated hemoglobin levels, as a result of blood disease, heart disease and the influence of external conditions

Most frequent causes of persistent high hemoglobin

  • bad habits (smoking)
  • ecology (smoke)
  • specific areas of residence
  • specific professions
  • active sport with heavy physical exertion
  • heart and blood diseases

Bad habits. Today, one of the most common causes of blood thickening is smoking. A smoker significantly reduces the supply of oxygen to the body. His lungs are covered with a thin layer of tar contained in cigarettes, which, when inhaled with smoke, enters the bronchi and lungs.

The body lives in a state of constant oxygen starvation. And, as a way out of the situation, the mechanism of enhanced red blood cell synthesis is launched, which leads to an increased level of hemoglobin. A smoker is a potential candidate for severe consequences of clotted blood - heart attack, stroke, death from a blood clot

Ecology. Living in industrial areas where there is increased smoke and gas contamination with harmful substances, the body does not receive enough oxygen when inhaling and hypoxia occurs. At this time, the kidney hormone erythropoietin gives a command for increased synthesis of red blood cells in order to compensate for the lack of oxygen due to quantity.

Specific areas of residence. This means living in areas located high above sea level, where the air is thin (Tibet). In such an area, an increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood is the norm.

Specific professions, in which people often stay in thin air or smoke-filled spaces (pilots, flight attendants, volcanologists, firefighters). This is a risk group and they must monitor their blood composition.

Active sport with great physical activity requires huge energy costs, and therefore a large amount of oxygen to burn food and work muscles. Professional athletes are often subject to grueling training and great physical stress during competition. Therefore, many of them have increased red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. The risk group includes football players, sprinters and marathon runners, skiers and triathletes, climbers, speed skaters and others.

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels- the main, but not the only problem of increased hemoglobin.
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Hemoglobin can be synthesized in increased quantities due to excess erythropoietin (a hormone that regulates the synthesis of red blood cells) or polycythemia vera (production of excess red blood cells by the bone marrow), as well as congenital heart diseases.

In all of these conditions, there is an increased level of red blood cells (erythrocytosis) and hemoglobin in the blood.

Symptoms of thick blood

The signs of thick blood are almost the same as with anemia, since oxygen starvation is also observed, but not due to a lack of iron, but due to reduced blood fluidity and its inability to transport oxygen to the tissues in a timely manner.

What is observed with erythrocytosis:

  • fast fatiguability
  • persistent desire to sleep
  • complete lack of appetite
  • increased blood pressure
  • skin redness

How to lower hemoglobin in the blood

There are different ways to reduce hemoglobin levels:

  1. medications
  2. folk remedies
  3. proper nutrition for high hemoglobin
  4. healthy lifestyle

Medications

If the situation is critical, then it is recommended to quickly lower the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood with the help of medications - vasodilators and blood thinners, anticoagulants, and also those that prevent aggregation (clumping of red blood cells).

I will list the most common ones:

  • Aspirin
  • Fenilin
  • Chimes
  • Aspecard (best in dilution and duration of action)
  • Aescusan
  • Cardiomagnyl

The only thing is that you need a doctor to select them for you, since each of them has side effects. He will also prescribe the optimal dosage for you.

Folk remedies

Humanity has accumulated a huge number of folk remedies in the fight against thick blood. Let's look at some of them.

Willow bark (willow). The active ingredient is salicin. Of the folk remedies, willow bark (willow) thins the blood the most, as the first raw material and prototype of the medicine aspirin. The effect is the same, but there is no negative side effect on the gastrointestinal tract.

Can be given to children. The recipe is very simple: pour 1 tablespoon of willow into 250 ml of hot water and boil for 10 minutes. Let it cool, filter and bring the contents to the size of a glass. Drink 2 tablespoons before meals three times a day. For children, we reduce the dose by half.

Watch the video “Natural aspirin for blood thinning”, maybe you will give up synthetic aspirin with its side effects:

Herbal teas. You can drink herbal infusions of mint, birch buds, sweet clover, and willow bark. It’s good to add a spoonful of honey to a warm infusion.

Start your day with a glass of warm water with honey and juice from half a lemon - you won’t be in any danger of thickening your blood. In addition, you will forget about colds.

Cranberry juice. Red cranberries contain natural aspirin and thin the blood. Grind 2 tablespoons of cranberries and 2 tablespoons of honey, pour a glass of good water and drink 5 minutes after it has infused a little.

Meadowsweet root. Add 1 teaspoon of meadowsweet to a glass of hot water and leave for about an hour (until it cools down). Take it in the morning before meals. Not only thins the blood, but also cleanses it.

Bloodletting and leeches as a quick way to lower hemoglobin in the blood. Leeches contain a number of enzymes that thin the blood. In 15-20 minutes, the leech releases 70-90% of its enzymes and normalizes your condition for a week.

The following seasonings thin the blood: ginger, dill, cinnamon - just add them to your food.

Proper nutrition for high hemoglobin

1. Eliminate iron-containing foods. If you have thick blood, you need to exclude from your diet foods that increase iron absorption: red meat, liver, cereals.

The most important thing for thick blood is water regime. If the body does not have enough fluid, then no drugs or infusions will help.

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Remember: You need to drink 2-2.5 liters of clean water per day. Preferably before 16.00. The Tibetan way of drinking liquid is from 5.00 am to 12.00, since it is during this period that the greatest cleaning of blood vessels occurs and the excretory system is actively working.

3. Salads with tomatoes. Tomatoes contain natural aspirin. If you eat a salad of them once a day, seasoned with olive oil, which also eliminates high blood viscosity, this will gradually bring the blood back to normal.

4. Horseradish, garlic and radish- excellent anticoagulants. Add them to your meals and salads. Horseradish can be grated with boiled eggs, garlic and radish can be prepared as a salad.

5. Temporarily give up grains. During the period of acute increase in blood viscosity, stop eating porridge, except oatmeal and pearl barley. Replace them with stewed vegetables.

6. Increase your diet with legumes, vegetables and fruits. Eat raw and stewed vegetables and fruits - even if they contain iron, it is practically not absorbed from plant foods.

7. Regularly eat fish and seafood, seaweed. Gifts from the seas will not only help you give up meat, but will also bring your blood vessels into excellent condition.

If you are in doubt about what diet you should use if you have high hemoglobin and blood viscosity, ask for a consultation with a nutritionist.

Review your habits. Review them. Buy new ones that are useful to you. And don’t wait for the roasted rooster to peck on the crown, as is customary in our mentality...

Start a new life and not on Monday, but today:

  • give up smoking and alcohol
  • sign up for a gym and start exercising
  • walk more and just be outside
  • take time to rest, lie down, learn to relax
  • develop calm and optimism

Today you learned the causes and symptoms of such a phenomenon as increased hemoglobin, different ways to reduce hemoglobin - from medications and folk remedies to a healthy lifestyle.
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