What Level of Haemoglobin Is Dangerously High?

Is Your Haemoglobin Too High? What You Need to Know

Haemoglobin is an essential protein found in red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. It is a vital marker of overall health. While most people are aware of the risks associated with low haemoglobin (anaemia), fewer realise that excessively high haemoglobin levels can also pose serious health risks.

Understanding Haemoglobin Levels

Doctors usually measure haemoglobin levels through a blood test. In general, the normal range for haemoglobin is:

• Men: 130 to 170 grams per litre (g/L)
• Women: 120 to 150 g/L

These ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory or testing method used. When haemoglobin levels rise significantly above these normal limits, doctors may begin to express concern.

When Is It Considered Dangerously High?

Haemoglobin is considered abnormally high when levels exceed:

• Men: Above 185 g/L
• Women: Above 165 g/L

However, it is important to distinguish between 'high' and 'dangerously high'. While mildly elevated levels might not require immediate treatment, dangerously high haemoglobin levels can increase the risk of serious health problems.

What Causes High Haemoglobin?

Several factors can lead to elevated haemoglobin levels. These include the following:

• Living at High Altitudes: In places where oxygen levels are lower, the body compensates by producing more red blood cells.
• Smoking: Cigarettes and tobacco can reduce oxygen supply, prompting the body to boost haemoglobin.
• Dehydration: Less fluid in the blood makes haemoglobin concentration appear higher.
• Lung or Heart Disease: Chronic conditions can affect oxygen levels and blood composition.
• Bone Marrow Disorders: Conditions such as polycythaemia vera, a rare condition that causes the body to make too many red blood cells.

Why Is High Haemoglobin a Concern?

While having more haemoglobin might seem beneficial at first glance, too much of it can result in thicker blood. It increases the risk of clots, strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues. Thick blood moves more sluggishly, placing added strain on the heart and potentially leading to many complications, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Enlarged spleen

In conditions like polycythaemia vera, unchecked high haemoglobin can also lead to serious long-term consequences if not properly managed.

What Symptoms Should You Watch Out For?

People often do not notice mildly elevated haemoglobin levels. Doctors only discover it through routine blood work. But when levels become dangerously high, you might experience symptoms such as:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Itchy skin, especially after a hot shower
• Fatigue
• Redness in the face (flushing)
• High blood pressure

If you notice any of these signs, contact your healthcare practitioner immediately.

While much attention is rightly given to low haemoglobin levels, dangerously high haemoglobin is equally important to monitor. However, you should not panic about this. If your blood tests show elevated levels, do not ignore them.

A thorough evaluation can help identify the cause and ensure you get the appropriate treatment. As with most health matters, early detection and proper management are the keys to staying safe and well.