Anemia (hemoglobin, Hb)
Overtiredness, feeling lightheaded, problems with exertion, physical weakness?
Maybe you have anemia.
It is not recommended to order this test separately because the blood count provides more information than just loose Hb which is a part of this.
The hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells (erythrocytes). It provides oxygen transport from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. When hemoglobin levels are too low, anemia occurs. The body does not get enough oxygen and the patient is short of breath and easily tired. The hemoglobin level in blood is closely related to the number of red blood cells. If the number of red blood cells is reduced, due to decreased production or increased breakdown, the hemoglobin level is usually reduced as well.
Elevated hemoglobin can result from:
- dehydration
- increased production of red blood cells in the bone marrow
- serious lung diseases
- prolonged stay at high altitude (>2000 meters)
Lowered hemoglobin may result from:
- iron deficiency or lack of vitamins folic acid and B12
- hereditary haemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell anaemia or thallassemia
- genetic disorders of red blood cells
- liver decomposition (liver cirrhosis)
- excessive bleeding
- increased breakdown of red blood cells
- kidney diseases
- chronic inflammatory diseases
- malfunctioning bone marrow (aplastic anemia)
- cancer in which the bone marrow is affected
