Hemoglobin
Other names: Haemoglobin
What is hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is the main component of red blood cells. Hemoglobin (abbreviation: Hb) is a red substance made of iron and protein.
What's the function of hemoglobin?
- In the blood, it carries oxygen to the cells in the body from the lungs.
- Hemoglobin also carries carbon dioxide away from the cells to the lungs, later exhaled from the body. Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless gas present in small amounts in the air. It is a result of metabolism in the body. Metabolism is the chemical action in cells that release energy from nutrients or use energy to create other substances.
What are normal reference ranges for hemoglobin?
Normal hemoglobin levels differ depending on several factors, including age, sex at birth, hormonal supplementation, altitude of residence as well as presence of different hemoglobin types that impact hemoglobin turnover and affinity for oxygen binding.
Like other blood values, slightly high or low levels of hemoglobin may be normal for some people. Still, suppose you are falling too far out of the normal range. In that case, your doctor will most likely order more comprehensive testing to determine the cause.
Normal Ranges for Hemoglobin in g/dL:
Men: 14 to 18
Women: 12 to 16
Children to up 18 years of age: 11 to 13
Critical Range: <5 or >20
Additional notes:
- Elevated hemoglobin by itself is not considered a disorder, but rather a symptom of a medical condition. Therefore, treatment must target the underlying cause.
- Hemoglobin counts of endurance athletes can be as much as 30% higher than that of the average adult, which is considered normal.
Here are a few reasons why a hemoglobin test is being performed:
To check your overall health: Your doctor may test your hemoglobin as part of a complete blood count during a routine medical examination to monitor your general health and to screen for a variety of disorders, such as anemia.
To diagnose a medical condition: Your doctor may suggest a hemoglobin test if you're experiencing weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness. These signs and symptoms may point to anemia or polycythemia vera. A hemoglobin test may help diagnose these or other medical conditions.
To monitor a medical condition: If you've been diagnosed with anemia or polycythemia vera, your doctor may use a hemoglobin test to monitor your condition and guide treatment.
What does it mean if your Hemoglobin result is too high?
Elevated hemoglobin by itself is not considered a disorder, but rather a symptom of a medical condition. Therefore, treatment must target the underlying cause.
It's important to note that hemoglobin counts of endurance athletes can be as much as 30% higher than that of the average adult, which is considered normal. Like other blood values, slightly high or low levels of hemoglobin may be normal for some people. Still, suppose you are falling too far out of the normal range. In that case, your doctor will most likely order more comprehensive testing to determine the cause.
High levels of hemoglobin are associated with increased blood thickness. This can slow down the blood flow and oxygen transport and, in some cases, form blood clots, which increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
High levels of hemoglobin are associated with increased blood thickness. Blood thickness can slow down the blood flow and oxygen transport. In some cases, blood clots can form. Blood clots increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Some specific causes of high hemoglobin might be:
- Dehydration
- Living at high altitude
- Medications such as anabolic steroids (incl. testosterone) and others.
- Smoking
- Poor lung function
- Heart problems
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
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What does it mean if your Hemoglobin result is too low?
Hemoglobin: What It Is and Why It Matters
What Is Hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. It also helps transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled. When your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells, your hemoglobin levels can drop.
Why Do Hemoglobin Levels Drop?
Low hemoglobin—also known as anemia—can signal a variety of health issues. Common causes include vitamin and mineral deficiencies, chronic diseases, blood loss, and bone marrow disorders. A routine blood test can help detect low hemoglobin and prompt further investigation.
Signs and Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin (Anemia)
If your hemoglobin levels are too low, you may experience:
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Fatigue or weakness
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Difficulty concentrating
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Pale skin
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Shortness of breath
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Chest pain or heart palpitations during exertion
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Lightheadedness or fainting (in severe cases)
How Is Low Hemoglobin Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. For example:
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Iron-deficiency anemia: Iron supplements and iron-rich foods (like red meat, spinach, or lentils)
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Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency: Dietary changes or supplementation
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Chronic disease or kidney issues: Treatment of the underlying condition or use of medications like erythropoietin
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Severe cases: Blood transfusions may be needed
Addressing the root cause usually restores normal hemoglobin levels.
Common Causes of Low Hemoglobin
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Reduced red blood cell production: Bone marrow disorders or chronic illnesses
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Increased red blood cell loss: Autoimmune diseases or hemolytic anemias
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Blood loss: From injury, surgery, menstruation, or internal bleeding
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Nutrient deficiencies: Low iron, vitamin B12, or folate intake
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Poor nutrient absorption: Conditions like celiac disease or bariatric surgery
Health Conditions That Can Affect Red Blood Cell Production
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Lymphoma: Crowds out healthy cells in the bone marrow
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Leukemia: Impairs bone marrow’s ability to make red blood cells
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Aplastic anemia: Bone marrow stops producing enough blood cells
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Pernicious anemia: Poor absorption of vitamin B12
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Multiple myeloma: Disrupts normal bone marrow function
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Myelodysplastic syndromes: Stem cells don't mature into healthy blood cells
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Chronic kidney disease: Reduces production of erythropoietin, a hormone critical for red blood cell formation
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Certain medications: Chemotherapy, antiretrovirals, and immunosuppressants
Who’s at Risk for Low Hemoglobin?
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Older adults
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People with iron-deficient diets or poor nutrition
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Endurance athletes (due to red blood cell breakdown)
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Menstruating or pregnant individuals
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People with chronic illnesses (e.g., kidney disease, autoimmune conditions, IBD)
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