

The relationship between hemoglobin and blood thickness is linear up to 16 g/dL. Polycythemia happens when there are more red blood cells in the blood and therefore the blood becomes thicker (more viscous). When accompanied by an increase in red blood cells, high hemoglobin can be a sign of a condition called polycythemia. That’s why a result that is slightly higher may not be of medical significance. In addition, normal ranges may differ slightly between different populations.

Doctors will usually interpret this test, taking into account a person’s medical history and other tests, such as red blood cells (RBC), hematocrit, and red blood cell indices.Īlso, there is some lab-to-lab variability in normal ranges due to differences in equipment, techniques, and chemicals used. Ī single test isn’t enough to make a diagnosis. Usually, hemoglobin (Hb) is considered high if it’s above the normal range of 15.5 g/dL in women or 17.5 g/dL in men. In this post, we will go over the symptoms of high and low hemoglobin and health issues and diseases that increase or decrease its levels. Both low and high levels can adversely affect our health. Hemoglobin is an essential part of red blood cells that delivers oxygen to all parts of the body.
#WHAT DOES LOW HEMATOCRIT AND HEMOGLOBIN MEAN FULL#
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