Red Flags in Red Cells — Decoding Their Threat on Heart Health!

According to health experts, an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots is associated with higher hemoglobin levels.

Health experts warn that elevated hemoglobin levels may increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.

Known as polycythemia -- a condition where red cells increase in the human body due to abnormalities in the bone marrow. These excess cells thicken the blood, slowing its flow, and can cause serious problems like blood clots.

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‘Elevated levels of hemoglobin pose a heightened risk of blood clotting, leading to heart attack, and stroke, thereby mandating further evaluation. #hemoglobin, #heartattack, #stroke, #bloodclot ’

Other causes of polycythemia include smoking, diseases of the heart or lungs, and living at high altitudes for prolonged periods.

Haemoglobin levels of more than 16.5g/dL in males and 16g/dL in females are considered abnormal. High hemoglobin levels may be detected on routine blood tests and may not cause any symptoms.

“High hemoglobin levels should not be ignored as it can increase the risk of blood clotting and can sometimes lead to dangerous conditions like stroke, heart attack, and blood clots in legs and abdomen,” said Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram ().

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“If high hemoglobin levels are detected on routine evaluation, a hematologist should be consulted for further evaluation. Secondary causes of polycythemia including obstructive sleep apnea, and diseases of the heart and lungs should be looked for,” he added.

Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the red blood cell (RBC) count or hemoglobin is less than normal.

Routine blood tests to detect hemoglobin levels include a peripheral smear, serum erythropoietin levels, and a JAK2 mutation study is necessary for routine evaluation.

A bone marrow, examination is also performed to determine the cause of polycythemia in selected cases.

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According to Dr. Neha Rastogi Panda, Senior Infectious Diseases Specialist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, “High hemoglobin may also cause a variety of symptoms like frequent headaches, blurred vision, itching all over the body after a warm shower, painful and swollen joints”.

“It can also cause major problems like stroke, heart attack, blood clots in legs, etc. Smoking should be avoided as it increases the risk of blood clotting. Diabetes and high blood pressure should be controlled as they are independent risk factors for stroke and heart attack. Adequate oral fluid intake should be maintained,” she added.

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Treatment of polycythemia includes removing blood from the body -- a process called phlebotomy, blood thinners like aspirin which helps prevent blood clotting, and medicines like hydroxyurea which helps stop bone marrow from producing increased cells.

Reference:

Fortis Memorial Research Institute - (https://www.fortishealthcare.com/location/fortis-memorial-research-institute-gurgaon)

Source-IANS