Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Low Hematocrit Levels?
Question: If dehydration is a transient disorder, how can we be sure about the extent to which it is a factor in causing high hematocrit levels?
Brief Answer:
if all other parameters normal, then dehydration not playing a role
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Unfortunately there is no rate or percentage calculation to determine exact effect.
Dehydration does not only affect hematocrit but it also affects other factors as well.
If fluid intake has returned to normal and there is no other biochemical or examination indication of dehydration, then the hematocrit should return to normal if the increase is only due to dehydration.
In addition to an increase in hematocrit, dehydration also causes increase in BUN (urea) and creatinine, sodium levels may also be affected.
It causes symptoms and signs such as dry skin, decreased urination, increased pulse, decreased blood pressure.
If there is a normal intake of fluids (at least 8 glasses daily) and all of the above are normal, then any increase in hematocrit is not due to dehydration because hydration status is normal.
With normal hydration, any previous history of dehydration does not matter because the effect on the hematocrit would be gone
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
if all other parameters normal, then dehydration not playing a role
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Unfortunately there is no rate or percentage calculation to determine exact effect.
Dehydration does not only affect hematocrit but it also affects other factors as well.
If fluid intake has returned to normal and there is no other biochemical or examination indication of dehydration, then the hematocrit should return to normal if the increase is only due to dehydration.
In addition to an increase in hematocrit, dehydration also causes increase in BUN (urea) and creatinine, sodium levels may also be affected.
It causes symptoms and signs such as dry skin, decreased urination, increased pulse, decreased blood pressure.
If there is a normal intake of fluids (at least 8 glasses daily) and all of the above are normal, then any increase in hematocrit is not due to dehydration because hydration status is normal.
With normal hydration, any previous history of dehydration does not matter because the effect on the hematocrit would be gone
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
