Brief Answer:
Detailed explanation below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 'Ask a Doctor' service,

I've read your query and understand your concern.

High hemoglobin may be caused by several conditions. Hemoglobin can be normally high if a patient is dehydrated or if he smokes or lives in high altitudes.

There are other causes as well such as heart and lung problems and polycythemia vera.

It is important for the doctor to do a thorough history and medical exam to determine the cause. Sometimes further tests to check the lungs and the heart and more blood tests may be needed.

Probably you will need to keep yourself hydrated, quit smoking if at all do and repeat the test in a couple of weeks to confirm the findings.

If the hemoglobin remains high, further tests as mentioned above may be needed.
Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor will decide the further treatment.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,

Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician

---

Brief Answer:
Further explanations below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,

There are several reasons for high hemoglobin as already explained. Quitting smoking is very important as sometimes hemoglobin is high in smokers. If the levels are high due to smoking, they will turn normal after stopping.

The doctor may take some blood out (phlebotomy) to prevent blood clots. He may also add some aspirin.

Polycythemia Vera is a condition that may be from over production of red blood cells, it is a kind of tumor.
It generally responds well to treatment and is not as malignant as many other tumors. Prevention of clots is important.This is why your doctor recommended the phlebotomy.

If your doctor considers this as the diagnosis, he may do a bone marrow biopsy to confirm it.

I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal if further medical assistance is needed.

I wish you well.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

---