What is the reason for high hemoglobin measurement

Elevated hemoglobin levels may be caused by factors such as blood concentration, altitude sickness, chronic hypoxia, polycythemia vera, and cardiovascular diseases.

1. Blood concentration:

Dehydration or excessive sweating can lead to fluid loss, relative concentration of blood, and false increase in hemoglobin concentration. Commonly seen after intense exercise, diarrhea, burns, and other conditions. By supplementing water or correcting the underlying disease, the indicators can return to normal.

2. High altitude sickness:

Long term exposure to low oxygen environment can stimulate bone marrow hematopoietic dysfunction, leading to compensatory increase in hemoglobin. High altitude residents or climbers may experience physiological red blood cell count, usually accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and shortness of breath, and the value gradually decreases after returning to the plain.

3. Chronic hypoxia:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and other diseases can cause long-term hypoxia in the body, leading to increased secretion of erythropoietin and secondary erythrocytosis. Patients often have primary symptoms such as cough and difficulty breathing, which need to be improved through oxygen therapy or treatment of underlying diseases.

4. Polycythemia vera:

Myelodysplastic diseases can lead to autonomous excessive proliferation of red blood cells, with hemoglobin often exceeding 180g/L, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as splenomegaly and skin itching. Diagnosis should be confirmed through bone marrow puncture and treated with bloodletting therapy or medication such as hydroxyurea.

5. Cardiopulmonary diseases:

Congenital heart disease, pulmonary heart disease, etc. can cause insufficient oxygen supply to tissues, reflexively leading to an increase in red blood cells. These patients usually have signs such as cyanosis and clubbing fingers, and a clear diagnosis needs to be made through cardiac ultrasound and pulmonary function tests.

It is necessary to maintain a daily intake of 2000 milliliters of water and avoid testing immediately after intense exercise. People in high-altitude areas should regularly monitor their blood routine, and smokers should quit smoking to improve lung oxygenation. When symptoms such as headache and dizziness occur, timely medical attention should be sought to screen for polycythemia vera. Long term elevated levels may increase the risk of thrombosis. It is recommended to have a blood routine check every six months and, if necessary, undergo JAK2 gene testing.