People who have awareness on blood donation are donating blood regularly.
Some people who are regular blood donors as well as volunteers are having high Haemoglobin levels i.e., more than 17g/dl.
High HB level is a disorder and have high red blood cells which cause blood more thicker that leads to heart strokes, attacks. It is a serious condition that stays lifelong if not given treatment.
It occurs most commonly when our body requires more oxygen carrying capacity, because of smoke or living in high altitudes.
High HB is known as Polycythaemia, which means it is a cancer of blood in which your bone marrow produces more red blood cells than usual.
High HB level is treated as dangerous when HB count is more than 18.5 g/dl in men and16.5 g/dl for women.
There are several factors that cause rise in Haemoglobin levels to above 17g/dl.
How can we know whether we have high Haemoglobin levels?
We can know our HB count by approaching any blood bank or lab.
They will test the HB count and let us know.
If your HB count is above 17, they will tell the precautions to maintain HB levels.
Common causes for high HB levels:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Smoking
- Living in high altitudes
- Lung disease / cancer
- Liver disease / cancer
- Kidney disease / cancer
- Heart disease
- Blood disorder (causing too many red blood cells)
- Alcohol consumption
- Dehydration
High HB levels can cause blood clots and lead to heart strokes. So it is better to decrease red blood cells through donating blood often until the HB level becomes normal.
Precautions:
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Avoid fatty foods and sugars
- Eat vegetables and fruits
- Eat foods rich in vitamin C.
- Stay Hydrated
- Avoid using medications that contain iron.
Check HB levels and try to donate blood once in every 90 days regularly.
Have a healthy lifestyle.