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What Does It Mean To Have High Haemoglobin?

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Posted on Fri, 8 Aug 2014
Question: My Mom is 82 years old and seems to be in great health, she recently had routine blood work done and her hemoglobin was high, the same test was done again and the hemoglobin was still high. Her family doctor is sending her to a hematologist, and cancer doctor. What does it mean to have high hemoglobin?
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Answered by Dr. Jyothi B L (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it could be polycythemia vera.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.
High hemoglobin means polycythemia. The levels would be above 18g%. It can be physiological or pathological.
Your doctor might be suspecting polycythemia vera, a myeloproliferative disorder.
Patients with lung disorders, staying in hilly regions and smokers can also have polycythemia.

Other investigations necessary are enlarged spleen, WBC and platelet count (which can be increased), vitamin b12 levels and cytogenetic studies are essential.

Any further details, happy to help again.

Dr. Jyothi BL.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Jyothi B L

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 849 Questions

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What Does It Mean To Have High Haemoglobin?

Brief Answer: it could be polycythemia vera. Detailed Answer: Hi, I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query. High hemoglobin means polycythemia. The levels would be above 18g%. It can be physiological or pathological. Your doctor might be suspecting polycythemia vera, a myeloproliferative disorder. Patients with lung disorders, staying in hilly regions and smokers can also have polycythemia. Other investigations necessary are enlarged spleen, WBC and platelet count (which can be increased), vitamin b12 levels and cytogenetic studies are essential. Any further details, happy to help again. Dr. Jyothi BL.