Can increased hematocrit values indicate polycythemia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 40 and male, do not smoke. Four years back, hemoglobin was 18.1, RBC normal, hematocrit 50 % normal. Now, hemoglobin was 18.4 (value was up to 17.7) RBC normal 5.78 value up to 6, and hematocrit at 50 %. Platelets were 226. The doctor thinks I just run high but nervous. Would the counts be much higher? All other values are normal. Should I worry about anything like polycythemia?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your hemoglobin level and red blood cells count are slight high (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The hematocrit level is within limit. So you can have secondary polycythemia case. Drink lots of water at least 0.5 to 0.7 gallons per day. I suggest you investigate with serum EPO estimation, EKG and chest X-ray investigation for further work up. Your physical examination also should be done. If all reports and physical evaluation is within limit then you may need not worry about that.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Following is my opinion for your asked question. Hepatitis C infection has actually no direct correlation with this high hemoglobin level. If your physical examination, EKG and chest X-ray is normal than you need not worry about your slight high hemoglobin. However, I suggest you drink more water because sometimes dehydration might be the cause for high hemoglobin. Moreover, non vegetarian food is also rich in hemoglobin, so hemoglobin can be high. Anyway if all clear as per mentioned history then do not worry.

Can increased hematocrit values indicate polycythemia?

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