The reasons why an increased level of hemoglobin in the blood may occur are very different. This, as a rule, is a signal of the human body about a malfunction of some internal organs. But it is possible to increase the level of hemoglobin as a result of exposure to specific environmental conditions or a short-term change due to physical exertion.
People living in mountainous regions compensate for insufficient oxygen levels at high altitudes with increased hemoglobin. Also, hemoglobin rises in athletes, such as runners and skiers. Even after a long walk in the fresh air, this blood count may increase for some time. The normal hemoglobin level for an ordinary woman is about 120-140, and for a man from 135 to 160. When the norm rises by 20 or more units, high hemoglobin is diagnosed .
If a person has noticeable symptoms of increased hemoglobin, it is necessary to conduct an appropriate blood test, as well as additional examinations to determine the causes. Among the symptoms, excessive fatigue, pallor, or, conversely, redness of the skin, loss of appetite, visual impairment, drowsiness, and disruption of the urogenital organs can be noted.
Increased hemoglobin: causes
If elevated hemoglobin is determined, the causes and consequences can be quite serious, so you should immediately contact your doctor to conduct examinations and determine the diagnosis. Such a violation is dangerous because the blood, which becomes more viscous and thick, is unable to move normally through the vessels, and this can lead to the formation of blood clots and plaques, to a heart attack and stroke. Before attempting to stabilize the indicator, it is advisable to verify whether the pathology of the circulatory system or disease of the internal organs is a real cause of the problem.
With a symptom such as increased hemoglobin, the causes may include the following pathologies: insufficiency of the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems, bowel obstruction, cancer, increased blood density, erythrocytosis (increased number of red blood cells in the blood serum), hemoglobinemia (increased hemoglobin in the blood plasma ) If a patient reveals a high level of glycosylated hemoglobin, the development of diabetes is often diagnosed. The reason for this is an excess of glucose in the blood.
Methods for stabilizing hemoglobin levels
It is very important to stabilize the increased hemoglobin in a timely manner, the causes of which must be determined and eliminated. Measures are taken immediately to avoid sad consequences. The level of hemoglobin is directly dependent on the diet and is adjusted by limiting the intake of iron and animal proteins in the body. First of all, products that contain iron are excluded from the menu. These include red fruits and berries, some cereals (especially buckwheat), red meat and offal. Fatty foods can increase cholesterol, its high content in viscous blood threatens the formation of blood clots and serious heart diseases.
Erythrophoresis is used as a reduction method. This procedure lowers hemoglobin by removing red blood cells from the bloodstream, but it is used only in case of failure or contraindication of other methods of treatment.
There are also drugs such as Curantil and Trental. They are used to thin the blood and lower elevated hemoglobin. Only the attending physician can prescribe medications, in no case do you need to self-medicate.