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Elevated hemoglobin levels in the blood

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Elevated hemoglobin levels in the blood are found in every third person. Let's look at the causes of elevated hemoglobin, methods for normalizing it, and possible consequences for the body.

The hemoglobin level does not stand still, it increases and decreases. If hemoglobin is low, it indicates iron deficiency anemia. And elevated hemoglobin is a signal from the body that there are problems and even pathologies that require immediate treatment.

There are two forms of hemoglobin - fetal and glycated. Glycated hemoglobin - this form is formed due to the addition of hemoglobin protein to glucose. It is the increased form of this type of hemoglobin that is the first indicator of diabetes. The fetal form is the hemoglobin of newborns. As they grow older, this form of hemoglobin gradually breaks down. But if an adult is diagnosed with fetal hemoglobin, this indicates serious diseases of the body.

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Causes of increased hemoglobin in the blood

The reasons for increased hemoglobin in the blood may be different, but, as a rule, an excess of red blood cells indicates an excess of red blood cells in the body. This condition is called erythrocytosis, and it causes a number of complications in the body, as it disrupts blood circulation and leads to a problem with blood clotting. Let's look at the main reasons for increased hemoglobin in the blood.

An increase in red blood cells, which act as a compensatory mechanism for transporting blood throughout the body.

  • Reduction in blood plasma volumes.
  • Living in highlands (due to lack of oxygen, the body begins to produce more hemoglobin, which leads to its increase).
  • Bad habits. Smoking can cause elevated hemoglobin due to a lack of pure oxygen in the body.
  • Dehydration is another reason for elevated hemoglobin. But once the water balance in the body is restored, the hemoglobin level will return to normal.
  • The use of drugs and anabolic agents can lead to an increase in the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin.

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Elevated red blood cell and hemoglobin levels

Elevated levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin are the cause of blood circulation disorders. Elevated levels may indicate thickening of the blood due to dehydration, pulmonary insufficiency, congenital heart defects, or long-term adaptation of the body to certain conditions (occurs in pilots and climbers). Bad habits, especially smoking, are another cause of elevated levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin.

The increase in the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin is divided into relative and absolute. Absolute increase - causes Wex disease, which causes chronic leukemia, that is, habitual erythrocytosis. This condition can occur due to oxygen starvation, excess hormones (androgens and adrenocorticosteroids). Relative increase is a pathological condition that occurs due to a decrease in plasma volumes.

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Elevated hemoglobin levels in women

Elevated hemoglobin levels in women may be caused by excessive physical activity, smoking, anabolic steroid use, or prolonged stay in high-altitude areas. In this case, it is recommended to take vitamin B12 and folic acid to reduce hemoglobin levels. Elevated hemoglobin levels in women are extremely dangerous during pregnancy, as this is evidence of complications in the development of the baby or the presence of liver and kidney diseases in the mother.

In any case, women with elevated hemoglobin levels need to follow the principles of healthy eating, spend more time outdoors and take vitamins. Such comprehensive and accessible treatment will help normalize the hemoglobin level in the blood.

Elevated hemoglobin levels in men

Elevated hemoglobin levels in men are 20-40 g/l higher than normal hemoglobin - 140-160 g/l. The main causes of this condition are bad habits. For example, smoking causes oxygen deficiency. High hemoglobin levels cause blood clots and plaques in the blood, interfering with its normal circulation and causing strokes and heart attacks. Cardiovascular insufficiency and lung diseases, heart and vascular pathologies, B12 deficiency are another cause of elevated hemoglobin in men.

Symptoms of elevated hemoglobin include rapid fatigue, loss of appetite, visual impairment, and genitourinary disorders. Redness or excessive paleness of the skin also indicate abnormal hemoglobin levels. This condition is treated by taking medications that thin the blood, following a diet, giving up bad habits, and leading an active lifestyle.

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Elevated hemoglobin levels in children

Elevated hemoglobin levels in children are a symptom of diseases and complications in the body. In newborn babies, elevated hemoglobin is caused by physiological processes, but as the child grows up, it normalizes. The main reasons for elevated hemoglobin levels in a child are: blood diseases, congenital heart defects, oncological diseases, etc.

The main symptoms of elevated hemoglobin in children are no different from those in adults. The child feels constant weakness and drowsiness, gets tired quickly, and the baby's skin may turn pale or red. With such symptoms, the parents' task is to take the child to the hospital and conduct a special examination.

An elevated level of hemoglobin in the blood is a pathological condition that indicates the presence of diseases or a lack of vitamins in the body. Sometimes, elevated hemoglobin occurs due to bad habits, excessive physical activity or staying in high-mountain areas. Regardless of the cause, this condition requires mandatory treatment and medical supervision.

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Products that increase hemoglobin levels

Products that increase hemoglobin levels are another reason for the unhealthy state of the body. Knowing which products help increase hemoglobin, you can create a therapeutic diet that will normalize the indicators of this blood pigment.

  • In case of hemoglobin deficiency, patients are advised to consume products of animal origin, i.e. meat, milk, butter, cream, etc. Therefore, with elevated hemoglobin, these products should be taboo.
  • Some fruits and vegetables help to increase hemoglobin, so you should avoid eating them. Nuts, grapes, bananas and pomegranate help to increase the level of red blood cells in the blood.
  • Regular consumption of dishes prepared from beets is another reason for increased hemoglobin. 150 g of beets can restore low hemoglobin, but with increased levels of this substance, they will cause problems with the body and blood circulation.
  • If you have elevated hemoglobin levels in your blood, you should avoid apples, watermelons, and melons. Carrots also increase this iron-containing protein, so it is not recommended to eat them.
  • Herbal decoctions and infusions can provoke an increase in hemoglobin. Rosehip decoction, rowan or nettle tincture can cause excessive growth of red blood cells in the blood.

Drugs that increase hemoglobin levels

Medicines that increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood are used to treat iron deficiency anemia. The most popular drugs from this group of drugs are ferroplex and conferron. The course of treatment is prescribed by a doctor after diagnosing the patient's condition, passing a set of tests, and depends on the patient's age and the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Please note that very often, taking drugs that increase hemoglobin levels is prescribed in combination with vitamin B12, which also helps to increase hemoglobin. Do not forget that any iron-containing drugs that increase hemoglobin have a negative effect on the gastric mucosa and can cause an exacerbation of gastroduodenitis or gastritis. Such drugs also cause constipation and flatulence.

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