Experts: Beware high hemoglobin a great health risk, it can be fatal

The iron content present in hemoglobin helps it in the same function. This is why we are told, from time to time, to eat foods that are rich in iron. The more iron in the body, the more oxygen supply.

one of the many reasons why we are alive is hemoglobin.

Its main function is to absorb oxygen when we breathe and transport it to every cell and organ in our body. The iron content present in hemoglobin helps it in the same function. This is why we are told, from time to time, to eat foods that are rich in iron. The more iron in the body, the more oxygen supply. The color of red blood cells is also due to hemoglobin.

But is high hemoglobin a health risk?

Polycythemia is a condition in which there is an increase in red cells in our body. This can occur due to abnormalities in the bone marrow that lead to increased production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. These extra cells thicken the blood, slowing its flow and can cause serious problems such as blood clots. Other causes of polycythemia include smoking, heart or lung disease, and living at high altitudes for long periods of time.

Dr Rahul Bhargava, an associate consultant in the Department of Hematology and BMT, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurgaon, spoke to TheHealthsite.com on 'High Hemoglobin.

"Hemoglobin levels of more than 16.5g/dL in men and 16g/dL in women are considered abnormal and require further evaluation," said Dr. Rahul Bhargava.

What symptoms can high HB cause?

High hemoglobin levels can be detected in routine blood tests and sometimes cause no symptoms - Frequent headaches

-Blurred vision

-Itching all over the body after a warm shower

-Painful and swollen joints

-It can also cause major problems such as stroke, heart attack, blood clots in the legs, etc.

What should you do if you have high hemoglobin?

High hemoglobin levels should not be ignored as they can increase the risk of blood clots and can sometimes lead to dangerous conditions such as stroke, heart attack and blood clots in the legs and abdomen. If high hemoglobin levels are detected on routine evaluation, a hematologist should be consulted for further evaluation. Secondary causes of polycythemia should be sought, including obstructive sleep apnea, heart and lung disease. Routine blood tests including a peripheral smear, serum erythropoietin levels, and JAK2 mutation study are necessary for routine evaluation. A bone marrow examination is also performed to determine the cause of polycythemia in selected cases.

How is Polycythemia Vera treated?

Treatment of polycythemia involves removing blood from the body, a process called phlebotomy, blood thinners such as aspirin that help prevent blood clots, and drugs such as hydroxyurea that help stop the bone marrow from producing cell growth.

Smoking should be avoided as it increases the risk of blood clots. Diabetes and high blood pressure should be controlled as they are independent risk factors for stroke and heart attack. It is also important to consume as much liquid as possible.

High hemoglobin levels can occur for various reasons. If high hemoglobin is detected in routine blood tests, it should not be ignored and a hematologist should be consulted as soon as possible for further evaluation. Correct assessment and timely intervention can prevent serious complications that may occur due to high levels of hemoglobin in our body.