An unhealthy hemoglobin level is generally considered to be outside the normal ranges, which vary based on sex. In adult males, this is typically below 13.5 g/dL or above 18 g/dL, and in adult females, it's below 12 g/dL or above 15 g/dL.
Hemoglobin Levels Explained
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Measuring hemoglobin levels is a routine part of a complete blood count (CBC) and helps diagnose conditions like anemia (low hemoglobin) and polycythemia (high hemoglobin). Hemoglobin is measured in grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Unhealthy Hemoglobin Levels:
Below is a summary of unhealthy hemoglobin levels for adults:
| Group | Low Hemoglobin (g/dL) | High Hemoglobin (g/dL) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Males | Less than 13.5 | Greater than 18 |
| Adult Females | Less than 12 | Greater than 15 |
Low Hemoglobin (Anemia):
- Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache.
- Possible Causes: Iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate), blood loss, chronic diseases, bone marrow disorders.
High Hemoglobin (Polycythemia):
- Symptoms: Fatigue, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision, itching.
- Possible Causes: Dehydration, lung disease, kidney disease, certain tumors, genetic mutations.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines and a healthcare professional should interpret any abnormal hemoglobin levels in the context of an individual's overall health and medical history. Further testing may be required to determine the underlying cause of an unhealthy hemoglobin level.
