Hemoglobin is an extremely complex iron-containing protein. It not only stains the liquid connective tissue in red, but is also responsible for the delivery of oxygen to all body tissues. In the diagnosis of various diseases, the indicator of the average hemoglobin content in red blood cells is clinically significant. With its deviations from the norm, it is customary to talk about the development of a pathological process in the body.
The average hemoglobin content in an erythrocyte: concept
To maintain normal functioning, the body needs a certain amount of red blood cells. But equally important is their quality. This is due to the fact that the body is deficient in nutrients and oxygen if the red blood cells do not contain enough hemoglobin.
The latter is a protein compound consisting of 4 peptide molecules, which, in turn, are associated with iron-containing complexes (gems). In both vertebrates and humans, hemoglobin is a major component of red blood cells. He is able to both attach oxygen molecules to himself, and give them to the cells of the body.
In the conclusion, drawn up after a blood test, it is worth paying attention to 2 indicators:
- SIT. It reflects the absolute hemoglobin content in the red blood cell. This indicator varies with age.
- ICSU. This is the most informative index. It reflects the average hemoglobin content in red blood cells. An increase or decrease in concentration, as a rule, indicates the development of a pathological process in the body.
Both indicators in the diagnosis of various diseases are considered together.
Normal values
The ICS level is calculated automatically in the laboratory by the equipment. Several years ago, experts first determined the total hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells in the biomaterial. Then the first indicator was divided into the second.
The average content of protein compounds in red blood cells throughout life is quite stable. Normal values are in the range of 32-36% (from 120 to 140 g / l for women and for men from 135 to 160 g / l). This indicator can only change in childhood. From about 15 years it stabilizes.
The increased content of hemoglobin in red blood cells in women of middle and old age is a variant of the norm. This is due to natural physiological changes. However, with a significant increase in the average hemoglobin content in red blood cells, it is customary to talk about the development of a pathological process in the body.
In adult women, SIT values between 27-34 pkg are normal, in men - 27.5-33.5 pkg. If the average hemoglobin content in 1 erythrocyte is increased, additional diagnostic measures are also necessary to identify the disease.
Causes
Fluctuations of indicators can occur against the background of physical overwork or psychoemotional instability. It is important to know that the increased hemoglobin content in red blood cells is a condition that does not always indicate the development of a serious disease in the body. But it is an alarming signal and an occasion for a repeated visit to the laboratory in order to confirm the previously established indicator.
Causes of high hemoglobin in red blood cells:
- Smoking for a long time.
- Pathology of the kidneys.
- Damage to the heart, both congenital and acquired.
- Lung diseases.
- The presence of calculi in the gallbladder and / or its ducts.
- Damage to the mucous membrane lining the stomach.
- Pathology of fluid connective tissue.
- Cardiopulmonary failure.
- Hypoxia
- Oncological diseases.
- Severe dehydration.
- Violation of the intestines.
- Excess in the body of vitamins B12 and B6.
- Pregnancy.
- Taking certain medications.
If the average hemoglobin content in red blood cells is increased, this means that initially it is necessary to exclude the physiological causes of this condition. These include:
- Permanent residence in the highlands. Due to the low oxygen level in such regions, the body has to produce a large amount of hemoglobin.
- Regular walks in the fresh air.
- High-intensity physical activity.
Thus, the increased average hemoglobin content in red blood cells is not a reason for panic. It is important to initially exclude natural factors, against the background of which a deviation of the indicator to a greater extent occurred.
Clinical manifestations
With single episodes of jumps, a person may not feel any symptoms. If the average hemoglobin content in erythrocytes is increased over a long time, this in all cases affects the general state of health.
Clinical manifestations of this condition:
- Lethargy.
- Increased fatigue.
- Impaired appetite.
- Problems falling asleep or, conversely, constant drowsiness.
- Pain in the joints and bones.
- High blood pressure.
- Frequent episodes of migraine.
- Dizziness.
- Itching of the skin, the intensity of which increases after taking a bath or shower.
- Pain in the epigastric zone.
- Even with minor bruises on the skin in a short time, bruises form.
- Tendency to bleeding.
If the average hemoglobin content in red blood cells is increased for a long time , this means that serious changes occur in the body. Liquid connective tissue becomes thick and too viscous. A natural result is a decrease in the rate of blood circulation. Against this background, internal organs begin to suffer from hypoxia and a lack of nutritional components.
Diagnostics
If the level of hemoglobin in red blood cells is increased, it is recommended to re-submit the blood for analysis. The biomaterial for the study is capillary liquid connective tissue, less often venous. Upon receipt of the same result, the doctor must take into account all natural factors. In their absence, the specialist evaluates other indicators, for example, ESR and the level of leukocytes.
If there is a suspicion of the presence of an inflammatory process in the patient's body, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive examination. It includes both laboratory (urinalysis) and instrumental methods (radiography, CT, MRI, FGDS, ultrasound, etc.).
Treatment
Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor draws up the most effective treatment regimen. Treatment directly depends on what disease caused the increase in the average hemoglobin content in red blood cells.
In most cases, pathologies are eliminated using conservative methods of therapy. In difficult situations and with oncology, the doctor decides on the advisability of surgical intervention.
What measures can be taken
If the average hemoglobin content in erythrocytes is increased not due to health risks, it can also be normalized on its own. Doctors recommend following these rules:
- Drink as much warm water as possible. The concentration of the protein compound directly depends on the liquid level.
- Make adjustments to the diet. You should minimize the use of foods rich in animal fats, as well as chicken eggs and pastries, especially those filled with cream.
- Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to take medications and multivitamin complexes containing iron and copper. It is necessary to fill the deficit of necessary elements with the help of nutrition. It is recommended to eat vegetables, nuts, legumes, white meat and seafood as often as possible.
- It is important to limit the intake of food that contributes to an increase in hemoglobin levels. Examples of products: red meat, fruits and vegetables of the same color, meat offal, fish caviar, buckwheat, butter, smoked and sweet dishes.
Most importantly, self-medication is unacceptable. Upon receipt of the test results, you must initially consult your doctor. If he does not find cause for concern, you can independently carry out activities aimed at reducing the concentration of iron-containing protein.
Effects
In practice, a low level of hemoglobin is most often diagnosed. Its average content rises extremely rarely. But at the same time, this condition is unacceptable to be ignored.
This is due to the fact that the blood becomes thick and viscous. Ignoring the pathology for a long time can lead to the formation of plaques and blood clots. They, in turn, are one of the main causes of heart attack and stroke.
Finally
The average hemoglobin content in red blood cells is reflected on the letterhead in the form of the abbreviation MCHC. This indicator is clinically significant in the diagnosis of various diseases. Its deviation from the norm to a large extent is rare, but ignoring this condition is unacceptable. This is due to the fact that there are many reasons for the increase in hemoglobin levels, and some of them pose a serious threat to health.