One of the most important criteria for controlling the development of a wide variety of diseases is blood hemoglobin. As hemoglobin is indicated in blood tests, perhaps every patient knows. Why is it so important in the life of our body, what are the norms of this indicator, how to raise the level of hemoglobin, we will examine in more detail.
The concept of hemoglobin blood
The hemoglobin blood pigment consists of two important components: protein - globin, and non-protein, heme, it includes iron. All hemoglobin in the human body is found in red blood cells (red blood cells). Building complex compounds around iron atoms, the globin is responsible for the respiratory system of the body as a whole, for the supply of oxygen to tissues from the pulmonary alveoli, for the transport of carbon dioxide to the lungs from the tissues. Hemoglobin maintains the acid-base balance of the blood. During human breathing, hemoglobin captures oxygen in the lungs, adapts it and carries it through the body tissues to each cell to ensure normal oxidative processes. After this, hemoglobin collects all the carbon dioxide produced and directs it back to the lungs for further excretion from the body.
Every literate person should know how hemoglobin is indicated in a blood test. The process of transporting oxygen is constant and continuous. Only 2% of oxygen remains in the blood plasma, the rest is carried by hemoglobin. The life of a person depends on the normal functioning of this process.
As hemoglobin is indicated in blood tests. Norm
The rate of hemoglobin in the blood in children is significantly underestimated compared to adults. If up to five years the value will show 110-130 units, then do not worry, this is completely normal. With age, every four years, hemoglobin rises by 5 units. Until about the age of 12, the indications for girls and boys do not differ; gender does not play any role in this period. Only after puberty in men and women, hemoglobin values differ by approximately 10%.
Having received the result, you should know how hemoglobin is indicated in the blood test in Latin letters. Hemoglobin - Hb. Having found this value, pay attention to the numbers. In men, normal hemoglobin readings range from 130 to 160 g / l. For women, the norm is 120-150 g / l. Watch the numbers with age, they should not decrease. If there is a drop in hemoglobin readings, you need to take measures to achieve the correction of normal results.
Iron in the body
As hemoglobin is designated in the general analysis of blood, we have understood. Well, what role does iron play? The human body constantly needs an exchange of iron, this process is continuous. The norm of the content of this element in the body of an adult is 3-4 g. In case of high demand, 20% is always deposited by the body. From 30 to 35 mg of iron is daily transferred by blood plasma. The majority is red bone marrow. Here, maturing red blood cells include iron. Red blood cells contain 60% of the body’s total iron. The daily need for this element in women is 18 mg, in men - 10 mg. Pregnant and lactating women should receive 20-30 mg of iron per day. As hemoglobin is indicated in blood tests, you already know. Having found this indicator, you can determine whether you need an additional source of iron.
Low hemoglobin
Reduced hemoglobin is a clear sign of iron deficiency in the body. The level of its content decreases, as a result, the level of hemoglobin in the blood decreases. What is the reason?
- The disadvantage of obtaining a trace element through food.
- Impaired iron absorption in the body.
- Significant blood loss.
Often, a lack of iron is felt by those who prefer plant foods more. Often nutritional deficiency of this element is found among vegetarians. The situation is aggravated if there is a lack of vitamin B12, which is found in animal products. Plant products contain non-heme iron, and it is poorly absorbed, about 6-10%, in contrast to heme contained in animal products. It is absorbed by 25%. Patients with anorexia nervosa often suffer from nutritional deficiency of iron. Knowing how hemoglobin is indicated in a blood test, you can easily check if you have signs of anemia, if you do not need additional sources of iron.
Signs of Low Hemoglobin
Lowering hemoglobin significantly affects your health. People leading a sedentary lifestyle may not immediately notice the changes, but those who are physically busy feel weak, a breakdown. What are the signs of anemia (iron deficiency)?
- Dry, pale skin and mucous membranes.
- With a lack of B12, the surface of the tongue is smooth, hyperemic, painful.
- Nails exfoliate, hair breaks.
- Cracks in the corners of the mouth.
How is hemoglobin indicated in blood tests? Easy to remember: Hb - hemoglobin. Knowing the norms, you definitely need to monitor this indicator for yourself and your loved ones. In severe anemia, neurological disorders occur: perversion of appetite, change in smell, inflammation of the optic nerve, headaches, paresthesia. Children have impaired intelligence and behavior. In old age, adaptive mechanisms are reduced, there is a lack of blood supply to tissues. Dizziness, fainting are possible.
How to increase hemoglobin level
After understanding what letters indicate hemoglobin in blood tests, check your results. Any signs of anemia? It is necessary to take all measures to increase the level of hemoglobin. This is very important for the state of the whole organism.
First, the doctor must find out the reason for lowering your blood hemoglobin level. If the causes are significant: blood loss, death of red blood cells - these factors should be eliminated by symptomatic treatment. In these cases, iron-containing drugs are prescribed.
With a small hemoglobin deficiency, a diet high in iron, vitamins PP, C, group B is recommended. When compiling a diet, remember that iron is divided into heme, which is absorbed by 25%, and non-heme (about 6%). Heat treatment oxidizes iron, and it is unsuitable for the production of hemoglobin. Tea and coffee are best excluded from the diet: the free radicals present there slow down the absorption of iron. Drink Cocoa. Products suitable for diet:
- Red meat.
- Citrus.
- Offal, in particular calf and pork liver.
- Hard cheeses.
- Potatoes.
- Green salads.
- Egg yolk.
- Black bread.
- Brewer's yeast.
Increased hemoglobin
Hb - this is how hemoglobin is indicated by a blood test, its norm in women is 120-150, in men - 130-160. Well, if the indicators exceed permissible, what does this mean? This should alert you, you need to undergo a full examination by a doctor. Elevated hemoglobin levels are a testament to some body dysfunctions:
- Hemoglobinemia (when destroyed red blood cells enter the blood plasma).
- Erythrocytosis (an increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood serum).
- Bowel obstruction.
- Excess Vitamin B12 or B9.
- Pulmonary insufficiency.
- Cancerous tumors.
- High sugar level.
With prolonged exposure to fresh air in athletes, in pilots, hemoglobin may increase. Often this is observed among mountain dwellers, where air is rarefied. Excess hemoglobin negatively affects health. Deteriorating condition, performance, blood thickening , viscosity, as a result - poor circulation of blood, the blood does not have time to deliver oxygen to the organs. Hence, cardiovascular diseases, the formation of blood clots, plaques, then - heart attacks, strokes. High iron foods, fatty, fried foods, vitamins C and B should be excluded from the diet. Switch to a sparing diet and blood thinning medications prescribed by the doctor.