Hemoglobin, a vital protein found in red blood cells, carries oxygen from the lungs to the body and brings carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is essential for health, as abnormal levels can signal a variety of health conditions.

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Hemoglobin is a complex protein found in red blood cells that plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. Each hemoglobin molecule is made up of four protein parts, each containing an iron atom, which allows it to bind to oxygen in the lungs and release it into the tissue, allowing your cells to function properly.

The main functions of hemoglobin are:

• Oxygen transport : Hemoglobin takes up oxygen in the lungs and carries it to the tissues and organs in your body.
• Carbon dioxide removal : It also collects carbon dioxide, a waste product produced by your cells, and brings it back to the lungs to be expelled.
• Acid-base balance : Hemoglobin helps maintain the correct acid-base balance in the blood, which is crucial for the body's metabolism.

These roles in the delivery of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide are critical to keeping your body healthy and functioning properly.

The hemoglobin test is often part of a complete blood count (CBC), a detailed evaluation of various components of the blood. It measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood to determine if the body has the right number of red blood cells and if the body is getting enough oxygen.

How the test is going : A small amount of blood is taken from a vein, usually in the arm, and analyzed in the laboratory. This test is quick, minimally invasive, and provides critical information about overall health.

When is it needed?

• General health check : To screen for conditions like anemia or polycythemia.
• Symptoms : Tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or paleness, which may indicate abnormal hemoglobin levels.
• Chronic diseases : Regular follow-up for diseases such as diabetes or kidney diseases in order to adjust treatments.

Types of tests

1. Complete blood count (CBC) : This common test measures the total number of red blood cells and the hemoglobin concentration.
2. Hemoglobin A1c : It assesses average blood sugar levels over three months, useful for managing diabetes and controlling blood sugar levels in the long term.

How do you understand the results?

A health professional can help you interpret your hemoglobin levels and determine what steps are needed to manage your health condition.

Normal hemoglobin levels vary according to age, gender, and overall health. According to an NCBI publication, the normal levels are:

• Hommes : 13.5 to 18.0 g/dL
• Women : 12.0 to 15.0 g/dL
• Kids : 11.0 to 16.0 g/dL

Laboratories may have slightly different references, so it is important to refer to those provided by the lab.

Low hemoglobin, or anemia, occurs when the level falls below normal values.

Causes :

• Nutritional deficiencies : Lack of iron, vitamin B12 or folate.
• Chronic diseases : Kidney disease, cancer, inflammatory diseases.
• Blood loss : Surgery, heavy periods, gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Bone marrow disorders : Leukemia, aplastic anemia.
• Genetic conditions : Sickle cell anemia, thalassemia.

Symptoms :
Tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, dizziness, paleness, cold hands and feet, irregular heartbeat.

How do I increase the levels?

• Feeding : Eat foods that are rich in iron (lean meats, lentils, green vegetables).
• Vitamin C : Promotes the absorption of iron.
• Dietary supplements : Take iron supplements if recommended.
• Lifestyle changes : Hydrate yourself, avoid excessive alcohol, exercise.

High hemoglobin, or polycythemia, is characterized by an excess of red blood cells.

Causes :

• Chronic lung diseases (COPD, pulmonary fibrosis).
• Life at altitude.
• Smoking.
• Dehydration.
• Tumors producing erythropoietin.
• Use of dopants.

Symptoms :
Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, itching, facial redness.

How to manage?

• Hydration : Drink lots of water.
• Quitting smoking.
• Treatment of underlying diseases.
• Therapeutic phlebotomy : Reduction in the number of red blood cells.
• Medications : Follow prescribed treatments.

Maintaining balanced hemoglobin levels through regular monitoring, healthy eating, and appropriate medical care is essential for good health.