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 percent normal. Now, hemoglobin was 18.4 (value was up to 17.7) RBC normal 5.78 value up to 6, and hematocrit at 50 percent. 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?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your hemoglobin level and red blood cell count are slightly high (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The hematocrit level is within limit. So you can have a 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 workup. Your physical examination also should be done. If all reports and physical evaluations are within limits, then you may need not worry about that.

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

Thank you.

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.

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

Thank you.