High Haemoglobin Count: Causes, Testing and Treatment

Q: What are the symptoms of a high haemoglobin count?

Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, high blood pressure, blurred vision, and an enlarged spleen. However, some individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms and only discover the condition through routine blood tests.

Q: How is a high haemoglobin count diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a complete blood count (CBC) test to measure haemoglobin levels. Additional tests, such as arterial blood gas analysis, erythropoietin levels, and imaging studies, may be conducted to determine the underlying cause.

Q: What are the risks associated with a high haemoglobin count?

Risks include an increased likelihood of blood clots, which can lead to serious complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and deep vein thrombosis. High haemoglobin levels can also contribute to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues due to the increased blood viscosity and strain on the heart.

Q: What are the different types of high haemoglobin count?

The main types include Primary Polycythaemia (polycythaemia vera), a rare blood disorder in which the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells; Secondary Polycythaemia, an increase in red blood cells due to an external factor such as low oxygen levels, smoking, high altitude, or certain tumours; and Relative Polycythaemia, an apparent increase in red blood cells due to reduced plasma volume, often caused by dehydration or severe burns.

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High Haemoglobin Count: Causes, Testing and Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a high haemoglobin count?

Causes can include living at high altitudes, smoking, dehydration, certain medical conditions like polycythaemia vera or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents.