Do I need tests or an evaluation for high hemoglobin levels?

Question

Hello doctor,

I recently donated blood, and during the screening, my hemoglobin level was found to be 17.2g/dL, which I was told is slightly higher than normal.

For the past 30 days, I have been maintaining a healthy lifestyle, walking around 10,000 steps daily, eating healthy foods, and avoiding sugar, fried items, and junk food.

I would like to understand:

Is this hemoglobin level a concern?
Could my recent lifestyle changes be a reason for the increase?
Are there any specific foods or habits I should avoid or follow to control it?
Will donating blood help reduce the hemoglobin level?
Do I need any further tests or evaluation?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As per the normal values, a hemoglobin level of 17.2 grams per deciliter is slightly on the higher side, but by itself, it is not always a concern, especially if you are otherwise healthy. There can be other reasons for mildly elevated hemoglobin, which can be:

Dehydration (very common and temporary).
Living at a high altitude.
Smoking.
Very high physical activity (can cause mild variation).

Your recent healthy lifestyle (walking, good diet) is not harmful and is unlikely to cause any abnormal rise. Regarding your diet:

You do not need to strictly avoid iron-rich foods, but avoid unnecessary iron supplements unless prescribed.
Maintain good hydration.

Blood donation can temporarily reduce hemoglobin levels, but it is not a treatment unless levels are persistently very high.

You have to be concerned if hemoglobin is persistently greater than 17.5 to 18 grams per deciliter or if you have symptoms such as headache, dizziness, redness of the face, itching, or breathlessness.

Repeat complete blood count (CBC) after proper hydration in a few weeks. If still elevated, further evaluation, such as serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels or other tests, may be considered. Overall, your value is only mildly elevated and often not serious, but monitoring is advised.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.