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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffHigh hemoglobin count may occur because:
- Your red blood cell production increases to compensate for low blood oxygen levels due to poor heart or lung function
- Your kidneys release too much of a protein (erythropoietin, or EPO) that enhances red blood cell production
- You've taken drugs that stimulate red blood cell production
- You have a bone marrow dysfunction that results in an increased production of red blood cells
- Your red blood cell production increases to compensate for a limited oxygen supply in higher altitudes
Specific disorders or other factors that may cause high hemoglobin count include:
- Congenital heart disease
- COPD
- Dehydration
- Emphysema
- EPO doping (injections of erythropoietin (EPO) to enhance athletic performance)
- Heart failure
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Living at a high altitude, where there's less oxygen in the air
- Other types of heart disease
- Other types of lung disease
- Polycythemia vera
- Smoking, which may result in low blood oxygen levels
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
References
- Blood studies: Hematology and coagulation. In: Fischbach FT, et al. A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:96.
- Laboratory reference values. Hemoglobin. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; October 2010.
- Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In: Goroll AH, et al. Primary Care Medicine: Office Evaluation and Management of the Adult Patient. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006. http://gateway.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&MODE=ovid&PAGE=main&D=baov&PCOSTART=goroll. Accessed Oct. 4, 2010.
- Geggel RL, et al. Evaluation and initial management of cyanotic heart disease in the newborn. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 4, 2010.
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