High Hemoglobin Levels: Is It Dangerous?

When Is the Hemoglobin Level Considered to Be High?

According to the conventional definition, it is considered as high hemoglobin when levels are more than 18.5 g/dL for men and 16.5 g/dL for women. High hemoglobin levels are associated with high hematocrit (also called as PCV) levels which are defined as greater than 50 % in men and greater than 45 % in women.

Polycythemia is the medical term for high hemoglobin. Polycythemia can be secondary or primary.

Primary polycythemia also called as polycythemia vera is a type of myeloproliferative disorders (the general term is blood cancer).

Secondary polycythemia is due to multifactorial reasons, few are as follows:

1. Lung problems like asthma.
2. Heart problems.
3. Smoking.
4. Dehydration.
5. Living in high altitudes.
6. Obesity.
7. Stress.

So, with a good history, most cases can be grossly categorized into primary or secondary.

How to Differentiate Between Primary and Secondary?

1. With the patient's medical history as mentioned above.
2. Blood investigations like EPO (erythropoietin) levels, ABG (arterial blood gas analysis), specialized investigations like JAK-2 mutation analysis and bone marrow examination.

Treatments

Polycythemia vera can be treated with a variety of modalities like phlebotomy (blood letting), low dose Aspirin, Hydroxyurea and in certain advanced cases Ruxolitinib.

In secondary cases, treatment is by addressing the underlying cause such as management of asthma, obesity, cessation of smoking, and other lifestyle changes.

As a final word of caution, I would like to say that not every case of high hemoglobin is blood cancer and not to get carried away or panic immediately. Please consult your general physician, and with proper history-taking, he will be able to guide you about what disease you are suffering from.

For more information consult a hematologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/hematologist