Haemoglobin

Overview

Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs throughout the body, and for carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. Each haemoglobin molecule can bind up to four oxygen molecules, making it crucial for maintaining normal cellular functions and energy production. Haemoglobin levels can be influenced by various factors, including nutritional status, bone marrow function, and overall health. Abnormal haemoglobin levels can indicate conditions such as anemia (low haemoglobin), which can result from iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or chronic diseases, and polycythemia (high haemoglobin), which can result from dehydration, smoking, or bone marrow disorders.

Testing Levels:

• High (180 g/L) - Elevated haemoglobin levels (polycythemia) can indicate dehydration, which reduces plasma volume and concentrates red blood cells. It can also be caused by conditions such as polycythemia vera, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or living at high altitudes, where oxygen levels are lower. High haemoglobin levels increase blood viscosity, potentially leading to complications such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
  
  
• Mid - Normal haemoglobin levels indicate that the body’s oxygen transport system is functioning well, with adequate red blood cell production and proper iron metabolism. This balance reflects good overall health and effective bone marrow function.
  
  Haemoglobin levels near the upper limit may suggest mild dehydration or a physiological response to factors like high altitude or smoking. Ensuring proper hydration and monitoring for underlying conditions can help maintain balanced haemoglobin levels.
  
  Haemoglobin levels near the lower limit may indicate early signs of anemia, often due to factors like mild iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or chronic diseases. Monitoring these levels and addressing nutritional intake or underlying health issues can help prevent further decline.
  
  
• Low (130 g/L) - Low haemoglobin levels (anemia) indicate a reduced capacity to transport oxygen, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Causes include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic diseases, and bone marrow disorders. Treating the underlying cause and possibly supplementing with iron, vitamin B12, or folate are essential steps to restore normal haemoglobin levels.

Why We Test Haemoglobin

Testing haemoglobin levels is essential for diagnosing and managing conditions like anemia, polycythemia, and other disorders affecting red blood cell production. It provides crucial insights into the body’s oxygen-carrying capacity and overall health. Regular monitoring is important for individuals with symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or chronic diseases. Maintaining haemoglobin levels within the normal range is vital for ensuring adequate oxygen delivery to tissues and preventing complications related to abnormal red blood cell counts.

What Affects It

Factors influencing haemoglobin levels include dietary intake (iron, vitamin B12, folate), hydration status, altitude, smoking, chronic diseases, and medications. Conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, bone marrow disorders, and blood loss can also impact haemoglobin levels.

How to Improve

For high haemoglobin levels, addressing dehydration, avoiding smoking, and treating underlying conditions like polycythemia vera are crucial. Ensuring adequate hydration and regular monitoring are key. For low haemoglobin levels, increasing dietary intake of iron, vitamin B12, and folate, and treating underlying causes like chronic disease or bone marrow disorders are important. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider ensure that haemoglobin levels remain within the optimal range.

Common Name: Haemoglobin