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My hemoglobin levels are high. Do I need to worry?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My hemoglobin is 17.3, and total RBC is 6.32. The homocysteine is at 45.3. Is it normal or do I need to worry?

Answered by Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey is a doctor who completed his MBBS and MD in General Medicine from Sher - i - Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and has over 17 years of experience in clinical practice. He is currently working as Assistant professor medicine, Rheumatology Government Medical College Srinagar.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your post and investigations (attachment removed to protect patient identity). There are a few significant abnormalities which I will try to address.

Your hemoglobin is high but your hematocrit is normal. It is usually seen in people who smoke or live at a high altitude. So, if you are a smoker, you need to quit. Your vitamin D level is low, for which you will need supplements. I suggest taking capsule Lumia 60K (Vitamin D) weekly for six weeks.

Your LFT (liver function test) shows elevated liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT, which possibly is due to fatty liver unless you are alcoholic or have hepatitis. You need to make lifestyle changes. Take fresh fruits and vegetables and brisk walk for 40 minutes five days a week. Homocysteine is not an issue, ignore it.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Do I need to do something to get my hemoglobin down? I use to smoke, but I have quit smoking one month back. I have anxiety as well.

Answered by Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey is a doctor who completed his MBBS and MD in General Medicine from Sher - i - Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and has over 17 years of experience in clinical practice. He is currently working as Assistant professor medicine, Rheumatology Government Medical College Srinagar.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you have stopped smoking, it will come down in the next three to four months which is the lifespan of RBCs (red blood cells). For anxiety, I suggest you take Sertraline 50 mg (sertraline hydrochloride) after lunch or better would be an exercise program to get rid of anxiety.

Regards.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At November 9, 2017
Reviewed At July 21, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey is a doctor who completed his MBBS and MD in General Medicine from Sher - i - Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and has over 17 years of experience in clinical practice. He is currently working as Assistant professor medicine, Rheumatology Government Medical College Srinagar.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey is a doctor who completed his MBBS and MD in General Medicine from Sher - i - Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and has over 17 years of experience in clinical practice. He is currently working as Assistant professor medicine, Rheumatology Government Medical College Srinagar.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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