My blood tests show elevated levels of hemoglobin and bilirubin. Why?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your hemoglobin level and RBC (red blood cells) levels are raised slightly. PCV (packed cell volume) value is on borderline. All the other reports are normal except raised bilirubin. You can have secondary polycythemia due to the trip went to a high altitude. So, yes, mountain visits can be the cause for having elevated hemoglobin and RBC. Drink more water for three liters a day and repeat your CBC (complete blood count) report after few days. Mostly HB (hemoglobin) and RBC will fall within the limit after few days.

Your bilirubin value is raised. However, your SGOT (aspartate transaminase) and SGPT (alanine transaminase) levels are normal. It suggests that raised bilirubin is not due to liver infection. If your total bilirubin remains high for a few days, then you need to do serum LDH (lactic acid dehydrogenase) estimation, HB electrophoresis, urine examination, and PS (peripheral smear) blood examination to screen for hemolysis. If there is no cause, then raised bilirubin can be non-specific and it can be present from birth in you. Revert with reports of CBC and bilirubin estimation with both direct and indirect level.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are right. Magnesium intake can also cause an elevation in the levels of hemoglobin and RBC according to few studies that have been done in people taking magnesium. So along with high altitude, intake of magnesium also seems to be the reason for causing elevated hemoglobin and RBC. Drink more water and stop taking magnesium supplements for few days.