What could it mean when your hemoglobin is high?

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I had a CBC done everything was good but my hemoglobin was high. I asked the doc if it was serious and he said not at this point. He didn't give me much to go by. I originally went to the doc because of weight loss. Please help?!
Polycythemia is a condition in which there is a net increase in the total number of red blood cells in the body. The overproduction of red blood cells may be due to a primary process in the bone marrow or it may be a reaction to chronically low oxygen levels.

Primary polycythemia, often called polycythemia vera (PCV), polycythemia rubra vera (PRV), or erythremia, occurs when excess red blood cells are produced as a result of an abnormality of the bone marrow. Often, excess white blood cells and platelets are also produced. Polycythemia vera is classified as a myeloproliferative disease.


Epidemiology
Polycythemia vera occurs in all age groups (including children), although the incidence increases with age. One study found the median age at diagnosis to be 60 years, while a study in Olmsted County, Minnesota found that the highest incidence was in people aged 70–79 years. The overall incidence in the Minnesota population was 1.9 per 100,000 person-years, and the disease was more common in men than women.

Symptoms
Patients with polycythemia vera are often asymptomatic. A classic symptom of polycythemia vera is generalized itching, particularly after exposure to warm water, which may be due to abnormal histamine release or prostaglandin production. Such itching is present in approximately 40% of patients with polycythemia vera. Gouty arthritis may be present in up to 20% of patients. Peptic ulcer disease is also common in patients with polycythemia vera; the reasons for this are unclear, but may be related to an increased susceptibility to infection with the ulcer-causing bacterium H. pylori.

A rare but classic symptom of polycythemia vera (and the related myeloproliferative disease essential thrombocythemia) is erythromelalgia. This is a sudden, severe burning pain in the hands or feet, usually accompanied by a reddish or bluish coloration of the skin. Erythromelalgia is caused by an increased platelet count or increased platelet "stickiness", resulting in the formation of tiny blood clots in the vessels of the extremity; it responds rapidly to treatment with aspirin.

Patients with polycythemia vera are prone to the development of blood clots (thrombosis). A major thrombotic complication (e.g. heart attack, stroke, deep venous thrombosis, or Budd-Chiari syndrome) may sometimes be the first symptom or indication that a person has polycythemia vera.

Diagnosis
Patients with polycythemia vera may often be asymptomatic. Physical exam findings are non-specific, but may include enlarged liver or spleen, plethora, or gouty nodules. The diagnosis is often suspected on the basis of laboratory tests. Common findings include an elevated hemoglobin level or hematocrit, reflecting the increased number of red blood cells; the platelet count or white blood cell count may also be increased, low erythropoietin (EPO) level, and normal oxygen saturation > 92%.

In primary polycythemia, there may be 8 to 9 million and occasionally 11 million erythrocytes per cubic millimeter of blood (a normal range for adults is 4-6), and the hematocrit may be as high as 70 to 80%. In addition, the total blood volume sometimes increases to as much as twice normal. The entire vascular system can become markedly engorged with blood, and circulation times for blood throughout the body can increase up to twice the normal value. The increased numbers of erythrocytes can cause the viscosity of the blood to increase as much as five times normal. Capillaries can become plugged by the very viscous blood, and the flow of blood through the vessels tends to be extremely sluggish.

Recently, in 2005, a mutation in the JAK2 kinase (V617F) was found by multiple research groups to be strongly associated with polycythemia vera. JAK2 is a member of the Janus kinase family. This mutation may be helpful in making a diagnosis or as a target for future therapy.

As a consequence of the above, people with untreated PV are at a risk of various thrombotic events (deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), heart attack and stroke, and have a substantial risk of Budd-Chiari syndrome (hepatic vein thrombosis). The condition is considered chronic; no cure exists. Symptomatic treatment (see below) can normalize the blood count and most patients can live a normal life for years.


Secondary polycythemia
Secondary polycythemia is caused by either natural or artificial increases in the production of erythropoietin that result in an increased production of erythrocytes. In secondary polycythemia, there may be 6 to 8 million and occasionally 9 million erythrocytes per cubic millimeter of blood. A type of secondary polycythemia in which the production of erythropoietin increases appropriately is called physiologic polycythemia. Physiologic polycythemia occurs in individuals living at high altitudes, where oxygen availability is less than at sea level. Many athletes train at higher altitudes to take advantage of this effect — a legal form of blood doping. Actual polycythemia sufferers have been known to use their condition as an athletic advantage for greater stamina.

Other causes of secondary polycythemia include smoking, renal or liver tumors, or heart or lung diseases that result in hypoxia. Endocrine abnormalities, prominently including pheochromocytoma and adrenal adenoma with Cushing's syndrome are also secondary causes. Athletes and bodybuilders who abuse anabolic steroids or erythropoietin may develop secondary polycythemia.


Relative polycythemia
Relative polycythemia is an apparent rise of the erythrocyte level in the blood; however, the underlying cause is reduced blood plasma. Relative polycythemia is often caused by fluid loss eg. burns, dehydration and stress polycythemia.


Treatment
As the condition cannot be cured, treatment focuses on treating symptoms and reducing thrombotic complications reducing the erythrocyte levels.

Bloodletting or phlebotomy is one form of treatment, which often may be combined with other therapies. The removal of blood from the body reduces the blood volume and brings down the hematocrit levels; in patients with polycythemia vera, this reduces the risk of blood clots. Phlebotomy is typically performed in people with polycythemia vera to bring their hematocrit (red blood cell percentage) down below 45 for men or 42 for women.

Low dose aspirin is often prescribed. Research has shown that aspirin reduces the risk for various thrombotic complications.

Chemotherapy for polycythemia may be used sparingly, when the rate of bloodlettings required to maintain normal hematocrit is not acceptable. This is usually with a "cytoreductive agent" (hydroxyurea, also known as hydroxycarbamide).

The tendency to avoid chemotherapy if possible, especially in young patients, is due to research indicating increased risk of transformation to AML, and while hydroxyurea is considered safer in this aspect, there is still some debate about its long-term safety.

In the past, injection of radioactive isotopes was used as another means to suppress the bone marrow. Such treatment is now avoided due to a high rate of AML transformation.

Other therapies include interferon injections, and in cases where secondary thrombocytosis (high platelet count) is present, anagrelide may be prescribed.

Bone marrow transplants are rarely undertaken in polycythemia patients - since this condition is non-fatal if treated and monitored, the benefits rarely outweigh the risks involved in such a procedure.  (+ info)

what is a dangerously low hemoglobin level?

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my friends hemoglobin level is 11. and she is very concerned that it is to low... she did recieve a transfusion a few weeks ago and is now on folic acid and iron. does anyone know what level is a low dangerous level for hemoglobin?
Judy - In some patients, if the person has suddenly been bleeding rapidly, even a normal hemoglobin may be found as the patient goes into shock from low blood pressure - like after a gunshot wound or stabbing. If the person has been having a steady hemoglobin level of 11 grams per deciliter (11 g/dL), then that would be considered a mild anemia. When it reaches as low as 8 g/dL, then transfusion is likely necessary unless the patient has been running a low level because of chronic kidney failure. What is dangerous has to consider the entire health of the person, not just the hemoglobin level.  (+ info)

What can you eat to raise the level of hemoglobin in your blood?

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The hemoglobin level reads 10. I'm anxious to have your advice.
Hemoglobin (Hgb) is made up of iron, so it is actually your iron that is low, and you need to eat iron-rich foods to increase your Hgb level. I have the same problem, due to fact that I don't like red meat very much. I'm not sure the etiology (reasoning) behind your low levels, but I will list all options and you can choose foods that work with your preferences.

EXCELLENT iron Sources

Clams
Pork Liver
Oysters
Chicken Liver (I bet this is your favorite, right?)
Mussels
Beef Live
Enriched Cereals
Cooked beans and lentils

GOOD iron Sources

Beef
Shrimp
Sardines
Turkey
Canned beans
Baked potato with skin
Enriched pasta
Canned asparagus

Iron Absorption ENHANCERS

Meat/fish/poultry
Fruits: Orange, Orange Juice, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapefruit etc
Vegetables: Broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomato, tomato juice, potato, green & red peppers
White wine

Iron Apsorption INHIBITORS

Red Wine, Coffee & Tea
Vegetables: Spinach*, chard, beet greens, rhubarb and sweet potato
Whole grains and bran (non-enriched)
Soy products

*Spinach is a point of contention with many researchers. I say eat it, but only cooked, as you get 3.5 times the iron as raw.

You may want to consider a temporary over-the-counter supplement, as a Hgb of 10.0 somewhat low. However, consultant your physician first.


Best of luck to you!!

EDIT: To address to concern below, it is absolutely true that the natural sugar in oranges can raise one's blood sugar. However, is this ONLY a concern if you are a diabetic. A person with a normally functioning pancreas and no diabetes would have no problem compensating for any sugar within the diet.  (+ info)

Can I have low iron if my hemoglobin is fine?

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Hi,
I read at the blood bank that hemoglobin levels aren't a good indicator of true iron levels. My hemoglobin was 140 which is fine. Could my iron still be low?
your hg is not 140.................normal is 12-14
ya iron may be 140 which is normal............  (+ info)

How to lower down hemoglobin in blood?

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My hemoglobin level is 17.0gm/dl.
it is slightly a bit higher, so what can i do to lower down the HB?
why would you want it lower? I work in a hospital and our normal ranges are from 13.5 - 17. Looks like you're ok.  (+ info)

What is the name of the disease that causes facial legions due to a lack of hemoglobin?

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I was just watching an episode of CSI and a woman had this disease so she was eating human livers and spleens. They mentioned the name but i dont recall what it was called. It is genetic and apparently is caused by the body absorbing too much hemoglobin. I believe they called it king lear's disease, but i don't know if that's right and i want to know the medical name
It sounds like it was a type of porphyria. King George III may have had it.  (+ info)

If I just eat bread and drink tea will my hemoglobin be low?

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i recently eat bread and green tea only, what will my hemoglobin be?
Not the best diet to prevent anaemia.
Since 1941, laws in the United States have required "enrichment" of processed wheat flour with vitamins B1, B2, B3 and iron in response to the problems created by 60% extraction. Since not nearly as much of these B vitamins and iron are replaced as are removed from 60% extraction flour, "enriched" seems an odd word to describe this process.

Green tea contains tannins which can inhibit the absorption of iron, especially iron from plant sources, such as peas, beans, nuts, leafy green vegetables, enriched pastas and breads, and fortified cereals. Plant sources of iron are called non-heme iron.

You can read up on anaemia on the link and it might be a good idea to get your blood tested. Very few tests are needed to diagnose anaemia, the main test is a full blood count, this is basically a blood test that looks at the number, size and shape of red blood cells. The doctor may also measure iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels.  (+ info)

What to do to lower hemoglobin and hematocrit level?

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My hemogobin level is .2 g/dL high and my hematocrit level is .3 percent higher. So Now I am kinda concerned. I really don't know what that means and I just want to know the reason and also what I should do to keep it down.
Your haemoglobin level and hematocrit values are perfectly OK!
You are just fine.
Trust me.
(I should know. I am a doctor)  (+ info)

What does it mean when your hemoglobin and blood platelets are low?

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I have not been feeling well for about 3 weeks with severe abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting, I a barium xray and blood work done. The xray showed nothing, but my blood count did.
I have Thalessemia minor already diagnosed. But the doc said my levels are a lot lower than they normally are.
When your hemoglobin is low it means that you have lost blood some how and that you do not have sufficient cells to carry oxygen. That is the purpose of the red blood cells. That can also be why you may feel weak. Platelets are used to help stop you from bleeding (clotting factor) and if it is low it may take longer to stop you from bleeding. That could be why your hemoglobin is so low.  (+ info)

How much hemoglobin to be increased in one month after taking proper diet?

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If my hemoglobin is 9 1 month ago and its now 10.5 is it a sufficient increase in 1 month

Exercise 30 minutes a day, and eat wholer healthier meals, and include all the food groups.
Most people think eating less, means weighing less but thats not totally true.
Eating less could mean eating more unhealthy, that's not a good way to lose weight.
Avoid greasy foods, and eat more vegetables, grains, and pastas.try some salad during
lunch or at night, and some protein food for breakfast,that'll work
http://cybexmedical.com/  (+ info)

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