Elevated hemoglobin in the blood - what does this mean? Hemoglobin by age
In a laboratory blood test, the doctor often makes the conclusion "elevated hemoglobin in the blood".What does it mean, is it dangerous to raise hemoglobin and how to normalize its level? All these questions worry patients and cause feelings and unfounded fears.
What is hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is a complex heme, consisting of protein and iron-containing parts. The functions of hemoglobin are to transport oxygen to organs and tissues and to remove carbon dioxide compounds from them.
With an insufficient amount of hemoglobin, anemia develops in the blood. This helps reduce the activity of the body and worsen the work of all vital systems. At the same time, excess hemoglobin is fraught with a thickening of the blood.
As a result, there is a blockage of blood vessels, clots are formed and there are difficulties in transporting oxygen. To determine the degree of severity of the pathological process and the peculiarities of its treatment, it is necessary to know the norms of hemoglobin indices.
Age norms of hemoglobin
The normal level of hemoglobin varies with the age and sex of the patient. In men, this indicator is slightly lower than that of women. The following norms are typical for them.
| Age | Norm AS / 18 |
| 3 months | 114 |
| 6 months | 117 |
| 1 year | 116 |
| 3 years | 118 |
| Adolescents and mature men | 135-160 |
Since the functions of hemoglobin are to transport oxygen, its norm is very important for the proper functioning of the body. For female patients, the table looks like this.
| Age |
|
| norm | |
| 3 months | 115 |
| 6 months | 119 |
| 1 year | 118 |
| 3 years | 120 |
| Adolescents and mature women | 120-140 |
With an increase in normal indices by 10 or more units, it is necessary to prescribe curative therapy and a diet that allows to restore the balance incomposition of blood. Neglecting one's own health can lead to the development of many complications and pathologies that could be avoided with timely diagnosis and treatment.
Reasons for increasing hemoglobin level
Why does a person have elevated hemoglobin in the blood? What does it mean? High hemoglobin in itself is not a disease - it's just a symptom that accompanies many pathological processes taking place in the body. The increase of the indicator is typical for:
- of oncological diseases;
- of intestinal obstruction;
- respiratory failure;
- cardiovascular failure;
- congenital malformations in the development of the heart;
- fibrosis( congestion of dense tissue in the lungs);
- a sharp increase in the number of red blood cells( for example, with blood transfusions);
- hormonal disorders that prevent the formation of red blood cells.
In addition to diseases, a high hemoglobin content in the blood can be a consequence of a lifestyle. For people living in the mountains, high hemoglobin is the norm. This phenomenon is associated with a lack of oxygen in the air, so the body requires more iron-containing protein for sufficient intake of oxygen to tissues and organs.
Smokers also increased this rate. Long-term smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the tissues, which is compensated by a high level of hemoglobin in the blood.
Food also plays a very important role. The lack of folic acid and vitamin B12 provokes an increase in the amount of hemoglobin. To maintain balance in the body it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat fully, play sports and regularly walk outdoors.
Symptoms of increased hemoglobin
The first symptoms of an increase in hemoglobin level, which are worth paying attention to, are:
- drowsiness;
- increased fatigue;
- loss of appetite;
- pallor or redness of the skin;
- disorders in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- disruption of the genitourinary system;
- decreased visual acuity;
- increase in blood pressure( no reason);
- aches in the joints.
If such symptoms are found, a blood test should be performed, and hemoglobin will be included among the main indicators. By age and sex of the patient, the hematologist will be able to orientate in how to build a scheme of therapy, if necessary, prescribe the correct medication and a supporting diet to reduce the level of complex protein in the blood. 
Than increase of hemoglobin
is dangerous. Most people do not fear increased hemoglobin in the blood. What does it mean? People do not pay attention to the state of their health, do not know the symptoms and the reasons for raising this index and expose themselves to danger, which manifests itself in the development of complications of existing diseases and development of new pathologies.
- Blood thickening - causes blood clots, clogged blood vessels, disrupts normal oxygen transport. In the absence of treatment, thrombophlebitis develops( clots of blood clots on the vessels), and then thromboembolism, which causes disruption of the vital organs due to the attachment of blood clots to them.
- High hemoglobin in pregnant women can provoke a delay in fetal development, confusion and lack of cognitive abilities.
- High blood viscosity caused by excessive hemoglobin in the blood, contributes to heart attacks and strokes.
- Violation of the balance in the composition of the blood causes a change in the shape of red blood cells. This pathology is called sickle-like anemia, since the red blood cells take the form of a crescent moon and can not perform their work( attaching hemoglobin and transporting it throughout the body).
- High hemoglobin affects the general condition of the body, causing drowsiness, weakness, lack of appetite, fatigue, dizziness and decreased efficiency.
If this condition has not been diagnosed for a long time and has not been amenable to treatment, the consequences can be very serious for the work of the whole organism. 
How to lower hemoglobin
High hemoglobin levels not associated with pathological processes in the body can be affected by blood thinning medications( "Aspirin", "Cardiomagnolo", "Curantil", "Trental"), and a certain balanced diet.
For high hemoglobin, the following dietary rules should be adhered to:
- to exclude from the diet red fruits and vegetables( especially beetroot);
- to exclude the use of dry mushrooms, by-products( liver, kidneys, heart);
- consumes a large amount of water - it is important to take into account the norm( 40 ml / 1 kg of human weight), this is necessary to prevent excess burden on the heart;
- lower hemoglobin levels allow dairy products, since they interfere with the absorption of iron.
In rare cases it is possible to resort to a variant of donation or erythrophorez( reduction of the number of erythrocytes in the blood stream by removing them).
High hemoglobin in women
High hemoglobin in pregnant women is a very dangerous phenomenon. Violation of the norm indicates that the mother has pathologies in the kidneys and liver, as well as the presence of violations in the development of the child. 
A woman should always adhere to proper nutrition, use vitamin complexes, have enough time to spend in the fresh air and lead an active lifestyle. In this case, high hemoglobin will quickly return to normal and will not cause dangerous disorders in the body.
High hemoglobin in men
In men, the cause of such a pathology is often harmful habits, especially smoking. To prevent the development of complications, it is necessary to take a blood test at the first suspicions of elevated hemoglobin in the blood. What does it mean? When there is drowsiness, fatigue, frequent or difficult urination and redness of the skin, it is important to consult a doctor. 
The hematologist will help to adjust the regime of the day, talk about the need to comply with rational nutrition, physical activity and the rejection of addictions that negatively affect the functioning of all vital systems.
High hemoglobin in children
In newborns, the hemoglobin level in the blood is always elevated. This is not a pathology, since it is associated with physiological processes. As you grow older, the indicator should decrease and come back to normal. If this does not happen, it is necessary to exclude the presence of congenital heart defects, blood diseases and oncology.
Knowing what hemoglobin means to the human body, you can pay attention to the onset of symptoms and seek medical help on time. With timely diagnosis and treatment, many complications and diseases can be avoided.