Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein in red blood cells. The oxygen that enters the lungs attaches to the hemoglobin in the blood, and the hemoglobin carries the oxygen to the tissues of the body.
When a person doesn't have enough red blood cells or the red blood cells they do have don't work properly, the body lacks the oxygen it needs to function. This condition is called anemia.
Here we will look at the role of hemoglobin and how levels of hemoglobin are detected in the blood. We also examine the main types of anemia in more detail and look at ways to prevent this condition.
What is Levels of hemoglobin?
Each hemoglobin can carry four oxygen molecules, which are transported throughout the body by red blood cells. Each of the body's billions of cells needs oxygen to repair and maintain itself.
Hemoglobin also plays a role in helping red blood cells form a disc shape, which helps them move easily through the blood vessels.
How are levels of hemoglobin tested?
Levels of hemoglobin are determined by a blood test. Hemoglobin (Hb) is usually expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL). Low levels of hemoglobin in the blood are directly related to low oxygen levels.
High Levels of hemoglobin
High levels of hemoglobin may indicate a rare blood disorder, erythrocytosis. It causes the body to produce too many red blood cells, causing the blood to be thicker than usual. This can lead to blood clots, heart disease and strokes. It is a serious, lifelong condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
High levels of hemoglobin can also be caused by dehydration, smoking or living at high altitude, and can be associated with other diseases such as lung disease or heart disease.
Low Levels of hemoglobin
Low levels of hemoglobin usually indicates that the person has anemia. There are several types of anemia:
- Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type. This form of anemia occurs when a person does not have enough iron in the body and it cannot make the hemoglobin it needs. Anemia is usually caused by blood loss, but it can also be due to poor iron absorption. This can happen, for example, when someone has had gastric bypass surgery.
- Pregnancy-related anemia is a form of iron deficiency anemia that occurs because pregnancy and childbirth require large amounts of iron.
- Vitamin deficiency anemia occurs when the diet is deficient in nutrients such as vitamin B12 or folic acid (also called folate). These anemias can change the shape of red blood cells, which reduces their potency.
- Aplastic anemia is a disease in which the blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow are attacked by the immune system, resulting in a decrease in red blood cells.
- Hemolytic anemia can be the result of other diseases or can be inherited. It occurs when red blood cells in the blood or spleen are destroyed.
- Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder with abnormal hemoglobin. This means that the red blood cells are sickle-shaped and hard, preventing them from moving through the small blood vessels.
Other conditions such as kidney disease and cancer chemotherapy can also affect the ability to produce red blood cells.
Newborns have temporary anemia at 6-8 weeks of age. This is when they run out of the red blood cells they were born with, but their bodies do not produce new red blood cells. This condition does not adversely affect the infant unless they are sick for some other reason.
Babies can also suffer from anemia because their cells break down too quickly, causing their skin to turn yellow, a condition known as jaundice. This usually occurs when the mother and baby have incompatible blood types.
Symptoms related to Levels of hemoglobin
Typical symptoms of low levels of hemoglobin include:
- weakness
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- fast, irregular heartbeat
- pounding in the ears
- headache
- cold hands and feet
- pale or yellow skin
- chest pain
Risk factors related to Levels of hemoglobin
Older people or those with an iron deficiency in their diet may be at risk of developing anemia.
People who exercise vigorously are also at greater risk because exercise causes the red blood cells in the blood to break down. Women who are menstruating or pregnant are also at increased risk of developing anemia.
People with chronic diseases, including autoimmune disease, liver disease, thyroid disease and inflammatory bowel disease, may have lower levels of hemoglobin, which increases the chances of developing anemia.
When the body needs more oxygen, levels of hemoglobin rise. Therefore, people who have lung or kidney disease, smoke, or are dehydrated may be at risk for elevated levels of hemoglobin.
Prevention related to Levels of hemoglobin
Although many types of anemia cannot be prevented, eating iron-rich foods such as beef, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits and nuts can prevent anemia caused by iron deficiency or vitamin deficiency.
Meat and dairy products are good sources of vitamin B12, while folic acid can be found in citrus juices, beans and fortified cereals.
The American Society of Hematology recommends taking a daily multivitamin to help prevent nutritional anemia.
However, older adults should not take iron supplements for iron deficiency anemia unless directed by a physician.
Quitting smoking and drinking plenty of water can help avoid high levels of hemoglobin.
Treatment related to Levels of hemoglobin
The treatment of anemia varies depending on the cause of the disease.
Changes in diet or dietary supplements can help people with iron or vitamin deficiency anemia.
If the anemia is caused by another disease, treating the underlying disease will usually alleviate the problem.
Medications and blood transfusions are among the options for treating aplastic anemia, and antibiotics may be used in the case of hemolytic anemia.
Erythroblastosis is a lifelong disease that cannot be cured, but can be treated with medication. Sickle cell disease is a life-limiting disease.
The only available treatment is a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
However, there are treatments available that can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
References
1. Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments - WebMD
2. Anemia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
See also:
2. What Is Blood Test For Iron Called?
3. 2022 Best Home Hemoglobin Meter Buyers Guide
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