Maintaining normalhemoglobinlevels is important, as this blood protein carries oxygen to your cells.
In adult females, a hemoglobin count of between 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL is typically considered normal and healthy.
A higher-than-normal hemoglobin count means your body is being deprived of oxygen.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
How Are Hemoglobin Levels Tested?
A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood.
The test requires a simple blood draw.
Illustration by Danie Drinkwater for Verywell Health
Your hemoglobin is typically tested as a part of acomplete blood count(CBC).
confirm to ask your provider if you should fast before you arrive for the test.
A blood draw is done through a needle inserted into a vein in your arm.
You will feel a small prick or sting and you may have bruising and soreness afterwards.
For the most accurate results, follow their directions carefully.
While there are some laboratory variations, the following ranges are common for normal hemoglobin levels.
That can be due to a variety of causes.
Causes and Risk Factors
Your cells need oxygen to survive.
Your body may make excess hemoglobin at times when its struggling to get enough oxygen to your cells.
More hemoglobin leads to better oxygen delivery.
It may do that due to disease.
Once youre hydrated, the number should go back to normal.
Symptoms
Generally, a high hemoglobin level doesnt cause any symptoms.
However, it can lead to some serious, potentially life-threatening complications.
These include:
Treatment
The treatment for high hemoglobin levels depends on whats causing it.
If its due to a disease, treating that disease should help lower levels.
This can be a one-time treatment in situations that cause a temporary increase in hemoglobin levels.
For chronic conditions, you may need periodic transfusions.
Critical Hemoglobin Levels
Hemoglobin levels below 5.0 g/dL can lead to heart failure and death.
Low Hemoglobin Levels
A hemoglobin level below the normal value is considered low.
Usually, alow hemoglobin levelis a sign of anemia.
It can be due to iron deficiency but other causes may be at work.
That can be due to some medical conditions, especiallykidney failure.
A low hemoglobin level commonly causes noticeable symptoms.
They include:
Very low hemoglobin can cause:
Treatment for a low hemoglobin level depends on the cause.
What Is Anemia?
Anemia is a low red blood cell count or diminished red blood cell function.
Many things cause anemia, including low iron in the diet.
This protein contains iron, which can be measured with a blood test.
Many things cause low or high hemoglobin, and they produce a variety of symptoms.
Most causes of hemoglobin abnormalities can be treated with medication.
Sometimes a blood transfusion is necessary to correct very low hemoglobin levels.
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