What happens when hemoglobin is too high?

What happens when hemoglobin is too high?

High hemoglobin levels could be indicative of the rare blood disease, polycythemia. It causes the body to make too many red blood cells, causing the blood to be thicker than usual. This can lead to clots, heart attacks, and strokes. It is a serious lifelong condition that can be fatal if it is not treated.

What are the symptoms of high hematocrit?

When a person has high hematocrit levels they tend to present with these symptoms:

• flushed skin.
• dizziness.
• vision problems.
• headaches.
• enlarged spleen.

Why are my red blood cells hematocrit and hemoglobin high?

An increased RBC count and increased levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit may be caused by dehydration (not enough water in the body) or by some diseases (see table).

What are the symptoms of polycythemia?

Symptoms include lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, and bruising.

What cancers cause high hemoglobin?

What type of cancer causes high hemoglobin? While low hemoglobin levels are more often linked with cancer, some cancers can actually raise hemoglobin counts. This includes kidney cancer, liver cancer, and polycythemia vera — a rare type of blood cancer.

Can polycythemia cause leg pain?

PV causes blood to be thicker than normal due to high levels of red blood cells and platelets. If you have PV and leg pain, a clot may be the cause. A high red blood cell count makes blood thicker so it flows less efficiently.

What are symptoms of polycythemia?

Symptoms of polycythaemia

• headaches.
• blurred vision.
• red skin – particularly in the face, hands and feet.
• tiredness.
• high blood pressure.
• dizziness.
• discomfort in the tummy.
• confusion.

What does polycythemia feel like?

Some people might develop vague symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue and blurred vision. More-specific symptoms of polycythemia vera include: Itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower. Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs.

Should I worry about high hematocrit?

A higher than normal hematocrit can indicate: Dehydration. A disorder, such as polycythemia vera, that causes your body to produce too many red blood cells. Lung or heart disease.

What is the most common cause of elevated hematocrit?

Dehydration, the most common cause of a high hematocrit.

Should I worry if my hematocrit is high?