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What Causes High Hemoglobin Levels And Normal WBC Levels?

Posted on Thu, 16 Apr 2015

Question: Hi, I have just had two sets of blood taken, both have come back with raised Hemoglobin but normal platelets and white blood cells. What does this mean as I am worried?

Answered by Dr. S. Samanta (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please share the exact values!

Detailed Answer:
Hi! thanks for your health query!

High hemoglobin level with normal platelet/WBC count could be due to:

1. smoking

2. high altitude

3. lung/heart diseases

4. recent illness/recovery

5. burn/hemoconcentration, dehydration, hypoxia etc

6. polycythemia if > 16.5 g% for last 6 weeks at least...!

Therefore, please share the detailed report with detailed history for a better opinion...!

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. S. Samanta (37 minutes later)

HB first test 17.5 and second 21.5

Answered by Dr. S. Samanta (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It might be polycythemia ...!

Detailed Answer:
Hi! thanks for the feedback!

So, your hemoglobin level is really high and if there is no reason or aggravating factor behind it, it could be due to polycythemia and please see a hematologist in your area for some mutation study for confirmation...

It is a potentially curable disease and please don't worry for this at all!

Wishing you good health,

Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad