High Hemoglobin?

Question

My boyfriends doctor called him today and said that when they got the results of his blood work his hemoglobin was high. What can be causing this. I am not sure if it matters but he is blood pressure medicine. Thanks

Answer 1

I was taught to think "what is common is common" and "when you see hoof marks on a path think horses and not zebras. What am I talking about? I read many of the answers given by other people and I agree that the diseases they mentioned could explain for the high hemoglobin. However, how likely are they? These diseases are rare. When you approach a problem, you look at the most likely answer. For example, a patient reports he has a fever and always feels tired. Well, people with leukemia commonly complain about fevers and fatigue. However, people suffering from a flu also have the same complaints. So, which is more likely? Of course, the flu. Don't look for exotic explanations first. Rule out the common things before pursuing something more ominous. High hemoglobin can be caused by dehyration. If you boyfriend didn't drink enough fluids before getting his blood tests then it can cause a false high hemoglobin. In addition, when drawing blood, red blood cells can burst and release hemoglobin. The cell membrane is fragile and mechnical trauma (i.e. drawing blood through a needle) can break the membranes. Again, this can cause a false high hemoglobin. When a doctor receives the results of a blood test, he/ she will mark any abnormal values. Medical guidelines require the doctor to setup an appointment with the patient to confirm the results. It appears your boyfriend's doctor is diligent and is doing his/ her job well. I hope things turn out for the best. It is obvious he has someone who cares about him.

Answer 2

Here is a short list of the most common causes of High Hemoglobin

oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. A high hemoglobin count usually suggests that you have too many red blood cells (erythrocytosis), which can impair circulation and lead to abnormal clotting.

Causes of an elevated hemoglobin count may include:

Living at high altitudes
Smoking
Dehydration
Congenital heart disease
Cor pulmonale, a failure of the right side of your heart due to high blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
Pulmonary fibrosis, a scarring or thickening of the tissue between the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs
Polycythemia vera, a rare bone marrow disease in which your body makes too many red blood cells
Anabolic steroid use
Treatment of a high hemoglobin count depends on the underlying problem.

Answer 3

A lot of it will depend on how high.

This number will be influenced by his hydration level as if he is dehydrated, blood will be more concentrated, increasing this number.

Similarly people who are smokers have have an increase in their hemoglobin level as they will need more blood cells to carry the oxygen.

If your boyfriend is a cyclist and has been blood doping or using Epogen (a medication that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells) that can increase his hemoglobin level as well.

If it is above a certain number, then there is the possibility of more concerning medical conditions such as polycythemia vera or a malignancy.

There is a very slight possibility the medication may have an effect, but it depends on which one. For example, if he is taking hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) or Lasix (furosemide) he may be more dehydrated as these are diuretics (medications that make you urinate).

Discuss it further with his physician.

Answer 4

too many red blood cells?? over production of iron?? does he take iron suppliments?? check out the patient health library on questdiagnostics.com.