High Hemoglobin Levels

This article is aimed at delving into reasons behind occurrence of high hemoglobin levels in the body. Before we see the reasons, let us understand the role played by hemoglobin in the body.

Role Played by Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a protein molecule and a component of red blood cells. It performs the important function of transporting oxygen from the lungs to the cell tissues of the body and brings back the carbon dioxide from cell tissues back to the lungs for exhalation. Hemoglobin molecule is made up of a total of four protein molecules (that is globulin chains), which are connected together. Hemoglobin molecules in adults are made of two alpha-globulin chains and two beta-globulin chains. The globulin molecules have a component called the heme molecule which has iron in it. The iron enables the transport of carbon dioxide and oxygen. The presence of iron gives red color to the blood.

Normal Hemoglobin levels

Hemoglobin levels are tested in any normal blood test. To know what are high hemoglobin levels, one must first know what are normal hemoglobin levels. The hemoglobin content of blood varies according to age. They are important indicators of the overall health of the blood circulatory system. Here is a list of normal levels of hemoglobin in humans according to age groups. The blood hemoglobin levels are measured in gm/decilitre (gm/dl) and normal hemoglobin levels are as follows:

• Newborn babies: 17-22 gm/dl
• Babies with aged 1 week: 15-20gm/dl
• Babies aged 1 month: 11-15 gm/dl
• Children:11-13 gm/dl
• Adult (male): 14-18gm/dl
• Adult(female): 12-16gm/dl
• Adult(Female):12-16 gm/dl
• Men aged more than 50 years: 12.4 to 14.9 gm/dl
• Females aged more than 50 years: 11.7-13.8 gm/dl

Causes of High Hemoglobin Levels

It has been observed that people living in high altitude places have high hemoglobin levels. The reason is that, the rarefied atmosphere necessitates these high hemoglobin levels. High hemoglobin levels have also been observed in people who smoke. However, how smoking could induce high hemoglobin levels is a matter of research. Generally a hemoglobin level greater than 17.5gm/dl is considered to be high. Here are some of the possible causes of high hemoglobin levels:

Dehydration
Dehydration causes a temporary drop in hemoglobin levels. The body adjusts itself back to normal hemoglobin levels, after it is adequately re-hydrated.

Lung Disease like Emphysema
Emphysema is a lung disease which destroys the exchange mechanism in lungs that enables mixing of oxygen in the blood. Subsequently the body is deprived of oxygen, which causes the hemoglobin levels to shoot up.

Tumors
Certain types of tumors may also cause high hemoglobin levels. These tumors may be in any part of the body. The exact mechanism by which tumors and high hemoglobin levels are linked is not exactly known. However, there is a definite correlation between the two.

Polycythemia Rubra Vera
Polycythemia Rubra Vera is a disease which causes a proliferation in number of red blood cells of the body and subsequently high hemoglobin levels. People affected with polycythemia have blood hemoglobin levels of 18.5 gm/dl and higher.

Performance Enhancement Drugs
Certain performance enhancement drugs used by athletes, if consumed in excess, can cause high hemoglobin levels. One example of such a drug is Erythropoietin.

High hemoglobin levels are indicators of some basic metabolic problems. So do not ignore it, if you find high hemoglobin levels in a blood test. Get information about the causes and symptoms of high hemoglobin. Consult a physician as soon as possible.