What is Hemoglobin (HGB)?

Hemoglobin, found in the red blood cells of our body, is a vital protein that gives the blood its red color and meets the body's need for oxygen. Hemoglobin's functions also include transporting carbon dioxide from the cells to the lungs. Hemoglobin levels, one of the important indicators of general health status, are measured in complete blood count tests.

What is Low Hemoglobin?

When hemoglobin levels in the blood fall below the value accepted as normal, it is defined as “low hemoglobin”. Although this condition may indicate different underlying causes, it usually indicates anemia (anemia). During low hemoglobin, the body does not receive enough oxygen. Normal values of hemoglobin differ for men and women. When it falls below the ranges below, low hemoglobin can be mentioned.

Hemoglobin Normal Value

Normal Hemoglobin Levels

Women: 12.1 - 15.1 g/dL
Men 13.8 - 17.2 g/dL
Children: 11 - 16 g/Dl

What are the Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin?

The following complaints indicate low hemoglobin.

Low energy and feeling sluggish and tired all the time.
Pale appearance on the skin, lips or nail beds.
Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
Dizziness due to low oxygen levels caused by low hemoglobin.
Irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations.
Cold hands and feet due to poor circulation.
Headache
Muscle weakness, especially during exercise.
Difficulty concentrating and irritability.

If some of these complaints persist for a long time, you should consult a physician immediately.

What Causes Low Hemoglobin?

Many problems can underlie low hemoglobin.

Nutrition Deficiencies

Since the basic building block of hemoglobin is iron, problems arising from inadequate iron intake or absorption can be the cause. Therefore, the most common cause is anemia due to iron deficiency.
Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency can also cause megaloblastic anemia. As a result, this is manifested by low hemoglobin levels.

Blood loss

Acute blood loss due to surgical interventions, trauma or childbirth, and prolonged, low-severity blood loss such as stomach ulcers and menstruation can also cause low hemoglobin.

Chronic Diseases

Chronic kidney diseases, cancer and chemotherapy treatment, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause a decrease in the production of red blood cells and suppression of their production, leading to a decrease in hemoglobin value.

Genetic and Inherited Diseases

In Sickle Cell Anemia, red blood cells are easily destroyed as a result of abnormal hemoglobin production. Also in Thalassemia, the body does not produce enough hemoglobin.

Bone Marrow Diseases In the presence of diseases such as Aplastic Anemia and leukemia, hemoglobin levels decrease because the bone marrow cannot produce enough red blood cells.

How is low hemoglobin treated?

In order to treat the problem, the underlying cause must first be identified. Accordingly, treatment and lifestyle (nutrition) are organized. When you think that hemoglobin levels are lower than normal, the best approach is to consult a doctor and have the necessary tests done.

How to Eat to Increase Hemoglobin Levels?

Iron-rich foods such as red meat, spinach, legumes, nuts should be consumed. Vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges and peppers should be preferred to increase iron absorption. Eggs, dairy products, whole grains, green leafy vegetables should be eaten to overcome B12 and folic acid deficiency. However, if there is a health problem under low hemoglobin, this problem should be treated first, and the recommendations of the physician should be taken into consideration.

What is High Hemoglobin?

When the hemoglobin level in the blood exceeds normal values, it is defined as “high hemoglobin”. Normal hemoglobin values, which can vary for women, men and children, can exceed normal values for different reasons. A very high hemoglobin level can cause blood to thicken, thereby increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack and organ damage.

What are the Symptoms of High Hemoglobin?

Elevated hemoglobin is a higher than normal level of hemoglobin in the blood and usually does not cause any obvious symptoms. However, if the value is significantly elevated, some symptoms occur.

Common symptoms such as headaches and dizziness.
Fatigue and weakness as blood flow to the brain is also affected.
Redness of the face and skin, bruising of fingers and toes.
Shortness of breath due to problems with oxygen transportation.
The heart works harder to balance blood circulation, which causes palpitations.
Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
Chest pain

What are the Causes of High Hemoglobin?

High hemoglobin can develop depending on genetic, environmental and health conditions. Many reasons, from living in high altitude areas to dehydration, can cause hemoglobin to drop.

It is possible to list the conditions that may result in high hemoglobin as follows:

Since oxygen concentration is lower in high altitude areas, the body produces more hemoglobin to meet its oxygen needs.
Smoking makes oxygen transport difficult due to carbon monoxide and increases hemoglobin production.
Polycythemia vera, a blood disorder characterized by excessive production of red blood cells by the bone marrow, also causes high hemoglobin.
In chronic lung diseases such as COPD or emphysema, the body increases hemoglobin production to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
In the presence of heart diseases, especially congenital heart diseases, it causes high hemoglobin.
When blood volume decreases in case of dehydration, the hemoglobin concentration may temporarily increase.
In athletes, performance-enhancing substances such as steroids or doping can cause hemoglobin levels to increase.
In the presence of Kidney Tumors, the kidneys may increase red blood cell production by producing excess erythropoietin. This can also cause high hemoglobin.

How does high hemoglobin decrease?

If left untreated, high hemoglobin can lead to serious health problems. For this reason, after the underlying cause is identified, appropriate treatment planning should be made. When you think that hemoglobin levels are higher than normal, the best approach is to consult a doctor and have the necessary tests done.

This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.

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