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.
Doctors usually measure haemoglobin levels through a blood test. In general, the normal range for haemoglobin is:
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.
Haemoglobin is considered abnormally high when levels exceed:
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.
Several factors can lead to elevated haemoglobin levels. These include the following:
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:
In conditions like polycythaemia vera, unchecked high haemoglobin can also lead to serious long-term consequences if not properly managed.
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:
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.