European Alliance Awards £5M to Advance Cardiovascular Research Breakthroughs

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. When you undergo a hemoglobin test, your healthcare provider is measuring the amount of this protein in your blood. This test is typically part of a complete blood count, which is one of the most common blood tests ordered during routine health examinations. Normal hemoglobin levels vary based on age and sex, with adult men generally having levels between 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter and adult women having levels between 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter.

Low hemoglobin levels, a condition known as anemia, can result from various causes including iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, chronic diseases, blood loss, or bone marrow problems. Symptoms of low hemoglobin may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, and cold hands and feet. If your test results show low hemoglobin, your doctor will likely order additional tests to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include dietary changes, supplements, or medications.

High hemoglobin levels are less common but can also indicate health problems. Elevated hemoglobin may occur in people living at high altitudes, smokers, or those with certain medical conditions such as polycythemia vera, lung disease, heart disease, or dehydration. High hemoglobin can make blood thicker, potentially increasing the risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. If your results show elevated levels, further testing may be needed to identify the cause.

Preparing for a hemoglobin test is usually straightforward and typically requires no special preparation. However, certain medications, recent blood transfusions, or pregnancy can affect results, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking or any recent medical procedures. The test itself involves a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm, and results are usually available within a day or two. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and other test findings to determine if any action is needed.