Is hemoglobin level of 17.1 normal?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 27-year-old male. My hemoglobin level is 17.1. Last month, when I donated blood, I learned this. Again this month, when I checked, the level remains the same.

I would like to know whether it is normal. If it is abnormal, what should I follow to bring it back to normal?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

A hemoglobin level of 17.1 g/dl is near normal. Increased hemoglobin can be seen in conditions where oxygenation is less, like hilly areas, lung disorders, and when the air you breathe is low in oxygen. To compensate, red blood cells increase, and hence the hemoglobin. In these conditions, hemoglobin can be more than 18 g percent, and we call this condition polycythemia.

At present, for you, it is not polycythemia. Unless it is more than 18 g %, there is nothing to worry about. No need to return it to normal. Few books say that the range between 13.5 and 17.5 is normal in males. At present, there is nothing to worry about. Blood donation is good, and continue it.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.