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What Causes A Drop In Hematocrit Level In Blood?
Question: Hello Dr.,
This morning I had a routine blood test for a physical on Monday. My doctor called and said my Hematocrit was unusually low. Last year it was 11.4 and today 7.8. He asked for me to go to an Emergency Room and get it rechecked. I went to 2 and both were closed. I will try again in the AM. My question is what are some of the causes of this and what could it indicate? Thank you.
This morning I had a routine blood test for a physical on Monday. My doctor called and said my Hematocrit was unusually low. Last year it was 11.4 and today 7.8. He asked for me to go to an Emergency Room and get it rechecked. I went to 2 and both were closed. I will try again in the AM. My question is what are some of the causes of this and what could it indicate? Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Considerations.
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for submitting your question.
The numeric values you provided would be incredibly low for hematocrit, so I believe your doctor meant hemoglobin levels. Low Hemoglobin levels are most commonly seen when there is a nutritional deficiency (such as iron deficiency or vitamin B12, folate) or loss of red blood cells (very small, often undetected bleeding in the stomach or intestine). Other causes of low hemoglobin include destruction of circulating red blood cells or reduced production.
Your doctor is concerned that your levels are significantly low and this might be causing you symptoms such as fatigue, light headedness or dizziness. Low hemoglobin can also cause the heart to have to pump harder & faster, which can also pose problems. It is important to assess if you are actively bleeding and to determine the cause of the decrease. Please find an emergency room at a hospital, which should be open 24 hours a day, where you can be evaluated.
Sincerely,
Dr Galamaga
Considerations.
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for submitting your question.
The numeric values you provided would be incredibly low for hematocrit, so I believe your doctor meant hemoglobin levels. Low Hemoglobin levels are most commonly seen when there is a nutritional deficiency (such as iron deficiency or vitamin B12, folate) or loss of red blood cells (very small, often undetected bleeding in the stomach or intestine). Other causes of low hemoglobin include destruction of circulating red blood cells or reduced production.
Your doctor is concerned that your levels are significantly low and this might be causing you symptoms such as fatigue, light headedness or dizziness. Low hemoglobin can also cause the heart to have to pump harder & faster, which can also pose problems. It is important to assess if you are actively bleeding and to determine the cause of the decrease. Please find an emergency room at a hospital, which should be open 24 hours a day, where you can be evaluated.
Sincerely,
Dr Galamaga
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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