Increased hemoglobin. High hemoglobin in women: good or bad? Hemoglobin 176 in women

To prevent dangerous complications, it is necessary to eliminate the source of the problem.

But believe me, hemoglobin exceeding the upper limit is no better. And now there is another task - how to reduce hemoglobin.

High hemoglobin. Happiness or danger to health

Those suffering from anemia will say: “Lucky guys, your hemoglobin is elevated. This means your head is not spinning, you have enough strength to turn the earth over even without a support point.” Is it so? Is it possible to be jealous? If hemoglobin in the blood is increased, what does this mean?

As a result of an increase in hemoglobin over a long period, deterioration in many parameters is observed:

• disorder in the functioning of the kidneys and genitourinary system: colic, pain, cystitis, etc.;
• visual acuity decreases;
• the skin becomes pale, in some even yellowish;
• a person gets tired quickly and wants to sleep all the time. This has already been discussed somewhere, hasn’t it;
• complete or partial lack of appetite.

But all these consequences are superficial. But the real danger is much more serious. High hemoglobin - why is it dangerous? Increased red blood cells make the blood thicker. In case of wounds, it stops quickly, and this is a definite plus. If you look at it from a different angle, the circulation of viscous blood is slowed down, which means that the heart and internal organs are not receiving enough oxygen. And low speed means plaque settles on the walls of blood vessels, causing blood clots to form. The result is a heart attack, heart attack, stroke, thrombosis.

Finding out the reasons

Not only low but also high hemoglobin is dangerous; the reasons for men and women are largely similar. And yet there are differences.

If men have high hemoglobin, the reasons may lie in the characteristics of their professions.

• Pilots operate at high altitudes. They don’t notice it, but their body senses a lack of oxygen in the blood. The blood reacts to such messages by increasing hemoglobin.
• To quickly achieve results (read, a beautiful body), bodybuilders take steroids and anabolic steroids.
• Men smoke a lot: cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, etc. (grandmothers would say - don’t put this nasty thing in your mouth, and psychologists would explain this unhealthy desire to shove oblong cylindrical objects into your mouth in their own way).

If a woman has high hemoglobin, the reasons may be the same (female pilots, bodybuilders and smokers also occur). But there is one reason unique to them.

• During pregnancy, a woman's body is unpredictable. And who knows how he will react to conceiving and bearing a child.
• Let's add here the work of a flight attendant - she also flies at high altitudes.

The remaining reasons for men and women are common:

• Athletes involved in cross-country sports (skiing, skating, running) spend a lot of time outdoors. Oxygen must enter the blood more actively and be distributed throughout the body (frequent inhalations and exhalations), which is why hemoglobin can increase.
• Residents of high altitude areas (like pilots and flight attendants) also need high hemoglobin so that oxygen can be released from the thin air and circulated through the circulatory system.

These are external factors. If you notice that there is increased hemoglobin, the reasons may be due to a health condition.

• Diabetes mellitus, if glucose levels increase. Hemoglobin protein attaches to glucose atoms and drags them through the blood instead of oxygen.
• In diseases of the heart and kidneys, there is also a lack of oxygen - blood does not circulate at the required speed throughout the organs. From this appears erythrocytosis - an increase in red blood cells in the blood serum.
• Dehydration.
• Gaisbeck syndrome.
• Stress.
• Burns.
• Hereditary hemoglobinemia.
• Hemolytic anemia caused by problems with the gallbladder.
• Pernicious anemia, as a consequence of problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Oncology.
• Increased content of B vitamins: B12 and B9.
• Pulmonary or congenital heart failure.
• Poisoning.

If there are any of the above reasons, then your hemoglobin may be high - get checked. And if hemoglobin is elevated, what does this mean? It needs to be reduced. But first, let's look at the symptoms themselves.

We study the symptoms

How to recognize high hemoglobin in women? The symptoms are the same as in men, if the former are not pregnant, and the latter do not fly or swing constantly.

• The tips of the fingers and toes turn pale due to insufficient blood supply.
• As a result, your fingers feel cold.
• It’s hard to concentrate and come up with a smart thought - the brain is depleted of oxygen. Do not confuse increased hemoglobin with a prolonged rush at work.
• Pre-infarction or pre-stroke condition.
• Difficulty or, conversely, too frequent urination.
• Decrease in visual acuity.
• Loss of appetite.
• I want to lie down and do nothing (do not confuse it with laziness).
• Blood pressure rises for no apparent reason.
• Aches bones and joints.
• We haven’t walked much, but the veins are swollen, which means the blood is thick and clots are settling on the walls.

We described all these symptoms above. If you notice them, get tested. The following hemoglobin indicators should alert you:

• for men – above 170-180 grams per liter;
• for women - more than 150 grams per liter.

Why is high hemoglobin dangerous in women and men? In addition to the unpleasant state of a somnambulist, high hemoglobin can provoke a heart attack and even lead to death - a blood clot breaks off from the walls of blood vessels and instantly clogs the arteries. So we are urgently looking for ways to reduce hemoglobin.

Reducing hemoglobin

How to reduce hemoglobin in women and men? This can be done using dietetics and folk remedies, as well as medications.

Dietetics

It would be logical to assume that increased hemoglobin in women and men can be reduced by those foods that cannot be eaten if you are anemic.

It is forbidden:

• meat, offal (tongue, liver), game, smoked meats;
• , red vegetables and fruits, radishes;
• caviar;
• fast foods;
• full-fat milk, butter;
• cereals: buckwheat, rolled oats;
• soda;
• sweets;
• drink and drink;
• smoke.

Conclusion: you should not eat any foods that contain large amounts of iron and vitamin B12.

Can:

• seafood;
• lean fish;
• legumes;
• salads and vegetables with green fruits;
• sour cream, kefir and other fermented milk products;
• chicken;
• drink more clean water (you remember about).

Dishes should not be fried, only boiled, raw, stewed or baked.

The table will help you navigate through foods containing iron. We choose those that contain less of this mineral.

Folk remedies

It is useful to know how to reduce hemoglobin in the blood of men or women using folk remedies, and not just food.

• A long time ago, they practiced a method such as bloodletting (by the way, it is still used quite actively now - there was an article on the website about). In this case, you can contact him. It's also possible. They not only thin the blood, but also normalize hemoglobin levels. Just don't go to the swamps. This procedure can be done safely in clinics or medical centers.
• There are also good reviews about the action of the resin, which is mined in Central Asian caves. Dosage – 10 days, one tablet before bedtime.
• Become a donor. Regular donation of blood for the benefit of medicine will also benefit the sufferer.
• Salads from, and. We take one part of each plant, cut them and season with natural yogurt or kefir. For variety, you can also put white meat (breast) or cottage cheese there.

Official medicine

If you are wondering how to quickly lower hemoglobin in the blood, then there is only one answer - you need to consult a doctor for medical help. Drugs that thin the blood and bring its clotting back to normal will help:

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

Electrophoresis is very rarely prescribed. Under the influence of current, excess red blood cells are broken down and removed from the body.

It is difficult to say what is more dangerous – increased or decreased hemoglobin. But in both cases it needs to be normalized in order to live, work and enjoy life.

When it comes to hemoglobin, the first thought is: “Just as long as it’s not low.”

Anemia, anemia, oxygen starvation, unsightly appearance and prolonged internal discomfort...

We know the drugs that increase its level, we are familiar with the list of foods that should be included in the diet as a preventive measure, and after each blood test we are ready to take additional “iron.”

But then the results of the study came and it turns out that hemoglobin was increased.

How to react in this case? Let it be as it is? But I’m not feeling good. Urgently lower the level? But how? Is this really dangerous and what consequences should we expect? Why did he even rise? All the answers to these questions can be found below.

First, you should understand “what does high hemoglobin look like” and why do people often confuse it with low?

Accepted norm for an adult it becomes 115-140 g/l (for women) and 130-165 g/l (for men). That is, in any case, exceeding these indicators is considered pathological and requires immediate intervention. Why immediate? Let's consider symptoms:

• Headache.
• Lack of appetite.
• Sleep disturbance from constant drowsiness to sudden insomnia.
• Bruises and bruises quickly appear on the skin. Once bleeding starts, it is extremely difficult to stop.
• The body “aches”, joints and bones hurt.
• After contact with hygiene products, the skin begins to itch and itch.
• Your stomach may hurt.
• Vision decreases.
• The skin turns red while the fingertips remain white due to insufficient blood circulation.
• The veins in the legs swell, even if there is no load as such.

But the most important sign high hemoglobin is considered to be a thickening of the blood - it becomes viscous, easily forming clots. Most of all, they are afraid of blood clots, which can easily provoke a stroke or pulmonary embolism, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, myocardial infarction or thrombosis of the lower extremities.

If a patient is diagnosed with at least one of these diseases, this will mean long treatment and rehabilitation for him. And also a real threat to life and further condition. A chronic condition that is very difficult to cure.

Cause of increased hemoglobin

Either an increase or a decrease in hemoglobin is the first “bell” that notifies malfunction in the body. This failure can occur in any system, in any organ, so the examination should be taken responsibly and carefully.

It will show that the most common causes of excess iron in the body include:

1. increase in red blood cells;
2. diabetes mellitus and, as a result, “extra” glucose;
3. malignant tumors with cancer cells;
4. “excess” vitamin B12;
5. gastrointestinal dysfunction;
6. dehydration of the body;
7. congenital pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
8. bad habits (smoking, alcoholic drinks);
9. abuse of iron-containing products;
10. constant intake of vitamin complexes;
11. pregnancy;
12. emotions and nervous stress;
13. body burn;
14. poisoning;
15. hereditary aspect.

The only exceptions are mountain people, for whom high performance is the norm. Moreover, their body greedily accumulates iron, since at high altitudes there is a catastrophic lack of oxygen.

This category also includes pilots, flight attendants, and climbers. And also bodybuilders who, to quickly gain muscle mass, take steroids that have the same ability to affect the body.

Why is high hemoglobin dangerous?

Having familiarized yourself with the main symptoms, you cannot help but pay attention to the most dangerous of them: blood thickening.

What does it mean?

First of all, there are a lot of red blood cells in the plasma, which makes the blood viscous and thick.

This can be considered as a definite plus when it comes to minor wounds, scratches and other external damage. Everything will heal very quickly, without blood loss or complications.

But!

With slow blood circulation, plaques settle on the walls of blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of blood clots. Almost everyone knows what this threatens and what diseases can be “earned” by having a similar pathology (thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism, stroke, heart attack).

In children whose tests showed high hemoglobin, cognitive functions may suffer, and new knowledge will be increasingly difficult to acquire.

In addition, the same examination results will show that the red blood cells have changed their shape and become like a crescent. In medicine it's called sickle anemia and is considered a rather dangerous disease.

High hemoglobin during pregnancy

Usually during pregnancy there is a complete deficiency, since the body gives all its reserves to the actively growing baby. In addition, he is obliged to properly supply the fetus with oxygen in order to avoid anemia (oxygen starvation, which equals impaired development and growth).

It is to carefully monitor all these indicators that expectant mothers are forced to undergo regular tests and undergo routine screenings. What frightens them most is the low hemoglobin level, which is fraught with serious complications and even death.

Therefore, studying generally accepted norms iron in the blood, pregnant women are faced with the fact that for their situation, a result of 100 is not bad (with the norm being 120-145), which cannot but rejoice. They undergo a routine examination and... the hemoglobin level is 170. Shock. Rejoice? But where did he come from? Baby doesn't get his share? Is this good or bad for him?

If you live high in the mountains, then good. Rather, it’s even normal, the body “stocks up” this way. Otherwise, this figure should warn of some trouble, illness, pathology and other disorders. This may be a lack of vitamin B, diseases of the genitourinary, cardiovascular or gastrointestinal systems. Heredity is also possible, but this is the exception rather than the norm.

In addition to examining the entire body of the future mom should more reconsider your diet and drinking regime, take more walks and follow all doctor’s recommendations. After all, this is not only a signal of excess iron, but also evidence that the blood has become thick, can form blood clots and not “deliver” oxygen to the baby. And there is still childbirth ahead...

Increased hemoglobin in women

With pregnancy, it is clear that the body is trying to “not be offended” or, due to weak immunity, it is activating old chronic ailments. But what if a woman is not pregnant, and her tests are extremely unsatisfactory and alarming with high hemoglobin levels?

Again, the reason must be sought much deeper. Among the most common:

• The body’s reaction to prolonged hypoxia (the living environment has changed or the woman has suffered from anemia for a long time).
• Have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
• The patient abuses iron-containing products.

More often, symptoms become obvious even with an insignificant increase and it is difficult not to notice them:

• The tips of the fingers of the upper and lower extremities turn blue.
• Chronic fatigue, emotional instability, and poor appetite are observed.
• The woman is irritated by everything, she is inattentive and absent-minded.

But! Even if all these symptoms are present, the indicators differ from the norm by 10-20 units, everything can be corrected without medical intervention. Exceeds much more - long-term therapy cannot be avoided.

In men

Oddly enough, men suffer from elevated hemoglobin even more often than women.

This is explained It’s quite simple: the stronger sex is more exposed to heavy physical activity and is more often involved in extreme sports.

Under such conditions, the blood produces more red blood cells to relieve the burden on the heart and lungs. The same situation can be observed among those who seriously engage in running, cycling or skiing professionally.

• Backes disease.
• Pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
• Diabetes mellitus, kidney inflammation.

And also, diseases associated with prolonged dehydration (caused by vomiting and diarrhea) or uncontrolled use of diuretics.

Treatment

Both low and high hemoglobin are not an independent disease, but rather a symptom of it. Therefore, any therapy should begin with a quality examination and correct diagnosis.

Only then will it be possible to begin the most dangerous consequence of this pathology - viscosity and thickness of blood. For this, medications that can thin the blood are usually used. But only as prescribed by a doctor!

If the situation is not critical, then it will be enough correction of the patient's diet, namely, temporarily limit any sources of iron and animal protein (buckwheat, meat, seafood, liver, green apples and red berries). You should also review any medications you may be taking - they may also contain iron and affect your hemoglobin levels.

The main thing is not to go into all serious troubles and not to give up walking in the fresh air, not to overindulge in coffee and not to prescribe medication for yourself. After all, the benefits of causing harm are very close...

Hemoglobin is an important blood component, an increase or decrease in which is considered a deviation. Often pathologies and dysfunctions of the circulatory system are associated with diseases that interfere with the absorption of proteins and other essential elements.

What does hemoglobin 160-164 mean? Such indicators are to some extent considered a deviation. To find out exactly what the norm is, you need to see a doctor and take tests that will help determine how high your iron level is and what is causing this phenomenon.

Normal hemoglobin level in blood

How bad is the blood test result if a woman has a hemoglobin of 160? As you know, the norm for a man and a woman is significantly different, so it is worth contacting a doctor to clarify the situation.

The following indicators are considered normal:

• for men – from 135 to 160 g/l;
• for women – from 120 to 140 g/l;
• in newborns – 95-110 g/l;
• in pregnant women - from 105 to 120 g/l (depending on the stage of pregnancy and the general health of the mother).

The norm also depends on other factors: blood glucose levels and concomitant diseases that disrupt normal hematopoiesis.

In women during pregnancy, indicators may decrease or increase, this is due to the formation of the placenta and an increase in blood volume. Most of the hemoglobin during this period is spent on the growth and normal development of the baby.

Hemoglobin can also decrease if there are bad habits - alcohol and smoking, which pollute the blood, disrupt its functioning and the transport of oxygen to the heart. Therefore, hemoglobin 161 in men is an alarming sign, especially after 40 years, as it may indicate incipient disorders in the cardiovascular system.

Elevated hemoglobin indicates the onset of a pathological process, which can lead to the formation of blood clots

Why does hemoglobin increase?

The reasons for increased hemoglobin are different, it depends on the characteristics of the body and the functioning of the circulatory system. Most often, hemoglobin 160-163 in women and men is observed for the following reasons:

• diseases that disrupt metabolism and oxygen transport to the heart (heart attacks, strokes, diabetes);
• poor nutrition and bad habits that disrupt the normal functioning of the body (alcohol, smoking and drugs);
• metabolic disorders, absorption of vitamins and hormones (mainly occurs in adolescence during puberty);
• disruption of the circulatory process as a result of an increase in leukocytes and blood sugar (most often due to anemia, cancer, etc.);
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (diseases of the pancreas, liver, stomach and others);
• heredity or taking medications to which there is an allergic reaction or contraindications.

In children, indicators may increase as a result of hereditary diseases or improper physical development. In this case, doctors prescribe a general blood test, which determines what these indicators are associated with and what needs to be done to restore blood circulation.

If, in addition to an increase in hemoglobin, other unpleasant symptoms appear, then you need to contact an endocrinologist, because this may mean that early diabetes mellitus is developing, which interferes with normal blood circulation and metabolism.

Symptoms of elevated hemoglobin

Like any disorder in the body, elevated levels have their own distinctive symptoms that you should definitely pay attention to. Hemoglobin 156-164 in men and women makes itself felt by the appearance of unpleasant symptoms:

• constant dizziness, weakness, drowsiness and nausea (this is due to the fact that due to increased hemoglobin, blood circulates worse);
• change in skin color, which becomes reddish and too oily (vessels may burst, and bright red spots may appear on the face);
• sudden weight loss and lack of appetite (if this is associated with an increase in blood glucose, then, on the contrary, you can gain excess weight);
• menstrual irregularities or painful menstruation.

These are the symptoms that appear with increased hemoglobin, but they can easily be confused with other diseases and disorders. Exactly the same signs may indicate the development of diabetes mellitus or leukemia, so first of all it is recommended to consult a doctor who will help determine what these symptoms are associated with and why they are dangerous.

Why is elevated hemoglobin dangerous?

Hemoglobin 157-161 in women and men poses different dangers for the normal functioning of the body, so you need to figure out the cause in time and start treatment as soon as possible.

High rates are dangerous for the following:

• they may be a sign of the progression of dangerous diseases (anemia, leukemia, diabetes, and so on);
• heart attacks and strokes may occur, since oxygen does not fully reach the heart and brain;
• if hemoglobin is 160-165 in men, the functioning of the genitourinary system may be disrupted, which will lead to weakened erections, impotence, and infertility;
• In women, the menstrual cycle may be disrupted or diseases will begin to progress: ovarian cysts, malignant tumors; pregnant women may be at risk of miscarriage, especially in the early stages.

For children, high rates are dangerous due to disruption of the process of puberty and poor absorption of vitamins.

Hemoglobin 144-160 in men is also considered an increased indicator, so first of all it is necessary to do a blood test that will help determine exactly what this is connected with and how to properly treat the pathology. Treatment methods are individual for everyone, it depends on the characteristics of the body and on the susceptibility to medications that a doctor may prescribe for treatment.

What to do if your hemoglobin is high?

Those who are faced with the problem of elevated levels are interested in the question of why the hemoglobin level is increasing.

When hemoglobin is 160-170 in women or men, what to do and how to treat? You can lower the high level in different ways - folk and medicinal, but first of all it is recommended:

• lead an active lifestyle and give up bad habits that interfere with blood circulation and iron absorption (alcoholic drinks, smoking and drug use);
• undergo a full examination at the clinic and pass all the prescribed tests that will help you understand what is causing the sharp increase in indicators and how to cure it;
• It is recommended to exclude unhealthy foods from the diet: sweets, milk, carbonated drinks, meat and fruits rich in iron;
• include seafood, fish, kefir, herbs, homemade juices, etc. in the menu;
• stop taking medications that have an allergic reaction or other contraindications.

It is worth considering that increased hemoglobin 156 in women and men is dangerous for the development of serious diseases that will continue to disrupt the functioning of important organs. Therefore, you need to undergo a timely examination and visit a doctor who will conduct an examination and prescribe effective treatment methods.

From the video you can find out why high hemoglobin is dangerous and how to deal with the pathology: