Is high hemoglobin level indicative of some disease?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am so worried. I had a blood test, and my hemoglobin is 16 g/dl, and my hematocrit is 46 PTC. I am female, 39, and healthy. My white blood cells, platelets, and thrombocytes are in the normal middle range.

Is a slightly high hemoglobin sign of some sickness? What to do next?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

So, actually, your hemoglobin level is borderline high and not low. So, you do not have anemia. You are probably thinking about polycythemia. However, since your hemoglobin level is not significantly elevated and your total WBC count, along with your platelet count, is within range, there is no need to worry. In females, the normal hemoglobin range is between 13 and 16.

I suggest you investigate serum erythropoietin levels to ensure they are within range. Excessive non-vegetarian diets can also lead to high hemoglobin levels. Sometimes, if the investigation is done in the dehydration stage, such findings can also occur. You can revert with a serum EPO (erythropoietin) report to guide you further.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.