What is hematocrit and why is it important. How do hematocrit levels differ between males and females. What are the symptoms of low hematocrit levels. How can high hematocrit levels affect your health. What factors can influence hematocrit test results. When should you consult a doctor about your hematocrit levels. How is hematocrit measured and what other tests are typically performed alongside it.

What is Hematocrit and Its Significance in Blood Health

Hematocrit is a crucial measure of blood composition, representing the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s total blood volume. This vital indicator plays a significant role in assessing overall health and diagnosing various blood-related conditions. For instance, if an individual has 50 milliliters (ml) of red blood cells in 100 ml of blood, their hematocrit level would be 50%.

Why are red blood cells so important? These microscopic carriers are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, giving blood its characteristic red color. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules, allowing red blood cells to collect oxygen from the lungs and distribute it to tissues and organs.

An adequate number of red blood cells is essential for maintaining optimal bodily functions. When hematocrit levels deviate from the normal range, it can indicate various health issues, prompting further investigation by healthcare professionals.

Normal Hematocrit Ranges: Understanding the Benchmarks

Hematocrit levels can vary depending on several factors, including age, sex, and overall health status. While different institutions may have slightly different definitions of normal ranges, a comprehensive 2017 cross-population study established the following typical ranges:

• Adult males: 42-52%
• Adult females: 37-47%
• Children: 30-44% (varying with age and sex)
• Newborns: Higher levels that gradually decrease with age

Are these ranges absolute? Not necessarily. Certain conditions and circumstances can affect hematocrit levels without necessarily indicating a health problem. For example, pregnant individuals often have lower hematocrit levels due to increased blood volume during pregnancy. Conversely, smokers and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may have higher than average levels.

Low Hematocrit Levels: Causes and Health Implications

When hematocrit levels fall below 35% in women or 41% in men, it’s considered low. This condition, often associated with anemia, can have various underlying causes and may lead to several health issues if left untreated.

Symptoms of Low Hematocrit

Individuals with low hematocrit levels may experience:

• Pale complexion
• Weakness and fatigue
• Low energy levels
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Cold hands or feet

These symptoms often overlap with those of anemia, a condition characterized by low hemoglobin levels. While mild anemia is treatable and common, especially in women, severe cases may indicate more serious underlying health conditions requiring extensive treatment.

Potential Causes of Low Hematocrit

Several factors can contribute to low hematocrit levels:

1. Nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin B12, folate)
2. Chronic diseases (kidney disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis)
3. Blood loss (internal bleeding, heavy menstruation)
4. Bone marrow disorders
5. Certain medications
6. Pregnancy

How can low hematocrit levels be addressed? Treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may involve dietary changes, iron supplementation, medication adjustments, or more intensive interventions depending on the severity and origin of the condition.

High Hematocrit Levels: Risks and Associated Conditions

Hematocrit levels above the typical ranges can have adverse effects on health and may indicate serious underlying conditions. But what exactly constitutes “high” hematocrit?

For adult males, levels above 52% are generally considered high, while for adult females, the threshold is typically above 47%. However, these values can vary slightly depending on the specific laboratory and population norms.

Potential Causes of High Hematocrit

Elevated hematocrit levels can result from various factors:

• Polycythemia vera (a bone marrow disorder)
• Dehydration
• Chronic lung diseases
• Congenital heart defects
• Living at high altitudes
• Smoking
• Use of certain medications or performance-enhancing drugs

Why are high hematocrit levels concerning? Elevated levels can increase blood viscosity, potentially leading to blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks. In some cases, it may also indicate an underlying condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Factors Influencing Hematocrit Test Results

While hematocrit tests are generally accurate, several factors can influence the results, potentially leading to temporary fluctuations that may not necessarily indicate a health problem.

Altitude and Hematocrit Levels

Research has shown that red blood cell counts tend to increase at high altitudes. Why does this happen? The body adapts to lower oxygen levels in the air by producing more red blood cells, thereby increasing the hematocrit percentage.

Exercise and Hematocrit

Physical activity, particularly strength training, can affect hematocrit levels. A 2018 study involving 26 middle-aged, sedentary Turkish women found that participants who engaged in 16 weeks of strength exercise had lower hematocrit levels at the end of the program compared to when they started. However, it’s important to note that this study had a small sample size and may not be representative of broader populations.

Hydration Status

Dehydration can significantly impact hematocrit levels, often causing them to appear elevated. This is because the concentration of red blood cells increases when there’s less plasma in the blood. For this reason, hematocrit tests can be useful in assessing severe dehydration.

Hematocrit Testing: Process and Related Blood Tests

Hematocrit levels are typically measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC), a comprehensive panel of tests that provides a detailed picture of a person’s blood composition.

Components of a Complete Blood Count

A CBC may include the following tests:

• Red blood cell count
• Reticulocyte count (young red blood cells)
• Hemoglobin level analysis
• Red blood cell size and shape analysis
• White blood cell tests
• Platelet tests

Why are these additional tests important? They provide a more comprehensive view of blood health, helping doctors identify or rule out various conditions that might affect hematocrit levels.

Special Considerations in Hematocrit Testing

When interpreting hematocrit test results, healthcare providers consider several factors:

1. Sex: Normal ranges differ for males and females
2. Age: Newborns and children have different normal ranges than adults
3. Race: Certain blood-related conditions, like sickle cell anemia, affect particular demographic groups at higher rates
4. Recent medical procedures: Blood transfusions can temporarily affect hematocrit levels
5. Pregnancy: Expectant mothers often have lower hematocrit levels due to increased blood volume

In some cases, such as during chemotherapy treatment, doctors may request frequent hematocrit tests to monitor the effect on bone marrow function.

When to Consult a Doctor About Hematocrit Levels

While minor fluctuations in hematocrit levels are normal, certain symptoms may warrant a consultation with a healthcare provider. When should you consider seeking medical advice?

• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Unexplained dizziness
• Shortness of breath, especially during routine activities
• Pale skin or mucous membranes
• Frequent headaches
• Unexplained weight loss
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

These symptoms could indicate abnormal hematocrit levels and underlying health conditions that require medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform the necessary tests and interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.

Managing Hematocrit Levels: Lifestyle and Medical Interventions

Maintaining healthy hematocrit levels often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medical interventions, depending on the underlying cause of the abnormality.

Lifestyle Approaches to Optimize Hematocrit Levels

Several lifestyle factors can influence hematocrit levels:

• Hydration: Maintaining proper hydration can help prevent artificially elevated hematocrit levels
• Diet: Consuming iron-rich foods can support healthy red blood cell production
• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain healthy blood composition
• Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking can help normalize hematocrit levels in smokers
• Altitude considerations: If living at high altitudes, be aware of potential impacts on hematocrit levels

Medical Interventions for Abnormal Hematocrit Levels

Depending on the cause and severity of abnormal hematocrit levels, medical interventions may include:

1. Iron supplementation for iron-deficiency anemia
2. Vitamin B12 or folate supplementation for certain types of anemia
3. Hormone treatments to stimulate red blood cell production
4. Phlebotomy (blood removal) for conditions causing excessively high hematocrit
5. Treatment of underlying conditions (e.g., kidney disease, bone marrow disorders)
6. Adjustments to medications that may affect hematocrit levels

How effective are these interventions? The success of treatment largely depends on the underlying cause of the abnormal hematocrit levels and the individual’s overall health status. Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are crucial for managing hematocrit levels effectively.

Future Directions in Hematocrit Research and Diagnostics

As our understanding of blood composition and its impact on health continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for hematocrit testing and interpretation.

Advancements in Hematocrit Testing Technology

Recent technological developments are enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of hematocrit testing:

• Point-of-care testing devices for rapid hematocrit assessment
• Non-invasive hematocrit measurement techniques
• Artificial intelligence-assisted interpretation of blood test results
• Integration of hematocrit data with other health metrics for comprehensive analysis

Emerging Research on Hematocrit and Health

Ongoing studies are shedding new light on the relationship between hematocrit levels and various health conditions:

1. Hematocrit as a predictor of cardiovascular risk
2. The impact of hematocrit levels on athletic performance and training adaptations
3. Associations between hematocrit and cognitive function in aging populations
4. Hematocrit fluctuations in chronic diseases and their prognostic value
5. Personalized medicine approaches based on individual hematocrit profiles

What implications do these advances hold for future healthcare? As our ability to measure and interpret hematocrit levels improves, we may see more personalized approaches to diagnosing and treating blood-related disorders, as well as better integration of hematocrit data into overall health assessments.

What it is, levels, high and low range

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s blood. A typical hematocrit range in healthy adults is 37–52%. This varies depending on a person’s sex and age.

Authors of a 2017 study identified the above typical range.

Low red blood cell levels indicate conditions such as anemia. High red blood cell levels could signal polycythemia, increasing a person’s chance of developing a blood clot.

If a person feels tired, dizzy, or short of breath, a doctor may want to test their hematocrit levels to see if those levels fall into a normal range or not.

Read on to learn more about what this measure of red blood cell volume means, symptoms of abnormal levels, and what low and high levels might indicate.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the body. For example: if a person has 50 milliliters (ml) of red blood cells in 100 ml of blood, their hematocrit level is 50%.

Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body and give blood its characteristic red color. In addition to oxygen, they also contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. This allows red blood cells to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it throughout the body.

An adequate amount of red blood cells is essential to keep the body’s processes running smoothly.

Many conditions can affect red blood cell production or its life cycle. This can make it difficult for a medical professional to diagnose these conditions. A doctor will use a hematocrit test to confirm whether a person’s red blood cell count is affecting a health condition.

Doctors usually test hematocrit levels as part of a complete blood count (CBC).

A CBC is composed of a range of tests and may include:

• red blood cell count
• reticulocyte count (young red blood cells)
• an analysis of hemoglobin levels
• an analysis of red blood cells, including size and shape
• white blood cell tests
• platelet tests

A doctor will also consider a person’s sex, race, and age. It is important to note that certain blood-related conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia, affect particular demographic groups at higher rates.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia in African Americans here.

A doctor may request frequent hematocrit tests to monitor the effect of chemotherapy on a person’s bone marrow.

Both high and low hematocrit levels can be detrimental to a person’s health and result from various conditions and lifestyle factors.

What are normal hematocrit levels?

Different institutions will define normal hematocrit levels differently. However, a 2017 cross-population study found the following ranges to be typical.

• Male: 42-52%
• Female: 37-47%
• Children: 30–44%, depending on their age and sex

Newborn babies have high hematocrit levels that gradually decrease as they get older.

If a person has recently received a blood transfusion, it may affect their results. Additionally, pregnant individuals may have lower levels than usual because the body increases its blood volume during pregnancy.

Other factors, such as smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may push levels into a higher range.

Low levels

A hematocrit level below 35% in women and 41% in men is low. A level under this value can signify chronic anemia.

High levels

Hematocrit levels above the typical ranges can have adverse effects. It may indicate serious underlying health conditions.

Accuracy of results

Results from hematocrit tests are typically accurate and provide a clear reading of a person’s red blood cell levels.

However, the percentage of red blood cells in someone’s blood can change depending on various lifestyle factors and even environmental changes. According to research, red blood cell counts tend to increase at high altitudes.

Exercise, particularly strength training, may also affect hematocrit levels. A 2018 study found that females who participated in 16 weeks of strength exercise had lower levels at the end than when they started. However, the study had a small sample size of 26 middle-aged, sedentary Turkish women. This means that these findings aren’t necessarily representative of a wider population.

Dehydration can also raise hematocrit levels, so this test is useful if a doctor suspects severe dehydration is the cause of a person’s symptoms.

When a person has low hematocrit levels, they tend to present with the following symptoms:

• pale complexion
• weakness
• fatigue
• low energy
• trouble breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• cold hands or feet

These symptoms also indicate anemia, a condition where hemoglobin levels are lower than normal. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

Mild anemia is treatable, and it is particularly common in women. Severe anemia could signal a more serious underlying health condition that requires more extensive treatment.

Doctors associate anemia with several health conditions, including:

Nutrient deficiency

A person may lack B12, folate, or iron in their diet.

Learn more about how nutrient deficiency anemia is diagnosed and treated.

Chronic bleeding

This commonly occurs due to digestive tract ulcers, which are sores caused by the bacteria H.pylori or chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin. Many women also experience excessive blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding.

Bone marrow disorder

This includes aplastic anemia, which damages stem cells in bone marrow.

Cancer

These cancers spread to bone marrow, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Learn more about bone marrow cancers here.

Kidney failure

Kidney disease can lower the production of red blood cells, reducing hematocrit levels.

Thalassemia

When a person has this condition, their body does not produce enough hemoglobin.

Learn more about thalassemia here.

Sickle cell anemia

This condition changes the shape of red blood cells. These cells die earlier than normal, and they also clump together, which impairs blood flow.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia here.

Autoimmune disease

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may reduce red blood cell count.

Learn more about autoimmune diseases here.

When a person has high hematocrit levels, they tend to present with these symptoms:

• flushed skin
• dizziness
• vision problems
• headaches
• enlarged spleen

These symptoms signal polycythemia, a condition where the body produces too many red blood cells. This means blood is thicker and clots more easily.

Doctors cannot cure polycythemia, so treatment focuses on symptom management. The main goal is to avoid stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot usually occurring in a deep vein in the leg.

In some cases, dehydration causes polycythemia. When a person does not drink enough, their plasma levels drop, increasing the proportion of red blood cells in their blood volume. A person can lower their red blood cell count by rehydrating.

Some conditions that can cause high hematocrit levels include:

Lung or pulmonary disease

When the lungs cannot absorb oxygen effectively, and oxygen levels drop, the body compensates by making more red blood cells. One common pulmonary disease causing this is COPD.

Learn more about COPD here.

Heart disease

If the structure of a person’s heart reduces its ability to pump blood around the body, it can no longer sustain vital organs with oxygen. To try and overcome the oxygen deficit, the body produces more red blood cells.

Learn more about heart disease here.

Kidney cancer

Sometimes kidney cancer cells create more erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a hormone that tells the bone marrow to create more red blood cells.

Learn more about kidney cancer here.

Genetic disease

The JAK2 gene, which controls the number of blood cells made in the bone marrow, can affect certain conditions. When someone has a mutated JAK2 gene, the body could make a protein that signals the bone marrow to create more red blood cells than it needs.

Learn more about genetic disorders here.

A person should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above that could be a sign of high or low hematocrit levels, including fatigue, weakness, vision problems, and dizziness.

These symptoms can also indicate an underlying condition, so a person must contact a doctor promptly to prevent future complications.

If a person is receiving chemotherapy treatment, a doctor should perform regular hematocrit tests to monitor bone marrow health.

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood cells in a person’s blood volume. A doctor may test an individual’s hematocrit level due to certain symptoms.

A low hematocrit level means there are too few red blood cells in the body. In these cases, a person may experience symptoms that signal anemia. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and low energy.

If a person has too many red blood cells, they have a high hematocrit level. A person may experience dizziness and headaches, which can be a sign of the condition polycythemia.

Demographic and lifestyle factors can influence a person’s hematocrit levels. For example, males tend to have higher levels than females. Pregnant individuals can experience a decrease in hematocrit levels, and strength training may also reduce levels.

There are also several health conditions that can cause hematocrit levels outside the normal range. Excessive bleeding, thalassemia, and kidney disease are causes of low levels. COPD and sickle cell anemia can cause high levels.

Read this article in Spanish.

What it is, levels, high and low range

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s blood. A typical hematocrit range in healthy adults is 37–52%. This varies depending on a person’s sex and age.

Authors of a 2017 study identified the above typical range.

Low red blood cell levels indicate conditions such as anemia. High red blood cell levels could signal polycythemia, increasing a person’s chance of developing a blood clot.

If a person feels tired, dizzy, or short of breath, a doctor may want to test their hematocrit levels to see if those levels fall into a normal range or not.

Read on to learn more about what this measure of red blood cell volume means, symptoms of abnormal levels, and what low and high levels might indicate.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the body. For example: if a person has 50 milliliters (ml) of red blood cells in 100 ml of blood, their hematocrit level is 50%.

Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body and give blood its characteristic red color. In addition to oxygen, they also contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. This allows red blood cells to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it throughout the body.

An adequate amount of red blood cells is essential to keep the body’s processes running smoothly.

Many conditions can affect red blood cell production or its life cycle. This can make it difficult for a medical professional to diagnose these conditions. A doctor will use a hematocrit test to confirm whether a person’s red blood cell count is affecting a health condition.

Doctors usually test hematocrit levels as part of a complete blood count (CBC).

A CBC is composed of a range of tests and may include:

• red blood cell count
• reticulocyte count (young red blood cells)
• an analysis of hemoglobin levels
• an analysis of red blood cells, including size and shape
• white blood cell tests
• platelet tests

A doctor will also consider a person’s sex, race, and age. It is important to note that certain blood-related conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia, affect particular demographic groups at higher rates.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia in African Americans here.

A doctor may request frequent hematocrit tests to monitor the effect of chemotherapy on a person’s bone marrow.

Both high and low hematocrit levels can be detrimental to a person’s health and result from various conditions and lifestyle factors.

What are normal hematocrit levels?

Different institutions will define normal hematocrit levels differently. However, a 2017 cross-population study found the following ranges to be typical.

• Male: 42-52%
• Female: 37-47%
• Children: 30–44%, depending on their age and sex

Newborn babies have high hematocrit levels that gradually decrease as they get older.

If a person has recently received a blood transfusion, it may affect their results. Additionally, pregnant individuals may have lower levels than usual because the body increases its blood volume during pregnancy.

Other factors, such as smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may push levels into a higher range.

Low levels

A hematocrit level below 35% in women and 41% in men is low. A level under this value can signify chronic anemia.

High levels

Hematocrit levels above the typical ranges can have adverse effects. It may indicate serious underlying health conditions.

Accuracy of results

Results from hematocrit tests are typically accurate and provide a clear reading of a person’s red blood cell levels.

However, the percentage of red blood cells in someone’s blood can change depending on various lifestyle factors and even environmental changes. According to research, red blood cell counts tend to increase at high altitudes.

Exercise, particularly strength training, may also affect hematocrit levels. A 2018 study found that females who participated in 16 weeks of strength exercise had lower levels at the end than when they started. However, the study had a small sample size of 26 middle-aged, sedentary Turkish women. This means that these findings aren’t necessarily representative of a wider population.

Dehydration can also raise hematocrit levels, so this test is useful if a doctor suspects severe dehydration is the cause of a person’s symptoms.

When a person has low hematocrit levels, they tend to present with the following symptoms:

• pale complexion
• weakness
• fatigue
• low energy
• trouble breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• cold hands or feet

These symptoms also indicate anemia, a condition where hemoglobin levels are lower than normal. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

Mild anemia is treatable, and it is particularly common in women. Severe anemia could signal a more serious underlying health condition that requires more extensive treatment.

Doctors associate anemia with several health conditions, including:

Nutrient deficiency

A person may lack B12, folate, or iron in their diet.

Learn more about how nutrient deficiency anemia is diagnosed and treated.

Chronic bleeding

This commonly occurs due to digestive tract ulcers, which are sores caused by the bacteria H. pylori or chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin. Many women also experience excessive blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding.

Bone marrow disorder

This includes aplastic anemia, which damages stem cells in bone marrow.

Cancer

These cancers spread to bone marrow, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Learn more about bone marrow cancers here.

Kidney failure

Kidney disease can lower the production of red blood cells, reducing hematocrit levels.

Thalassemia

When a person has this condition, their body does not produce enough hemoglobin.

Learn more about thalassemia here.

Sickle cell anemia

This condition changes the shape of red blood cells. These cells die earlier than normal, and they also clump together, which impairs blood flow.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia here.

Autoimmune disease

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may reduce red blood cell count.

Learn more about autoimmune diseases here.

When a person has high hematocrit levels, they tend to present with these symptoms:

• flushed skin
• dizziness
• vision problems
• headaches
• enlarged spleen

These symptoms signal polycythemia, a condition where the body produces too many red blood cells. This means blood is thicker and clots more easily.

Doctors cannot cure polycythemia, so treatment focuses on symptom management. The main goal is to avoid stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot usually occurring in a deep vein in the leg.

In some cases, dehydration causes polycythemia. When a person does not drink enough, their plasma levels drop, increasing the proportion of red blood cells in their blood volume. A person can lower their red blood cell count by rehydrating.

Some conditions that can cause high hematocrit levels include:

Lung or pulmonary disease

When the lungs cannot absorb oxygen effectively, and oxygen levels drop, the body compensates by making more red blood cells. One common pulmonary disease causing this is COPD.

Learn more about COPD here.

Heart disease

If the structure of a person’s heart reduces its ability to pump blood around the body, it can no longer sustain vital organs with oxygen. To try and overcome the oxygen deficit, the body produces more red blood cells.

Learn more about heart disease here.

Kidney cancer

Sometimes kidney cancer cells create more erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a hormone that tells the bone marrow to create more red blood cells.

Learn more about kidney cancer here.

Genetic disease

The JAK2 gene, which controls the number of blood cells made in the bone marrow, can affect certain conditions. When someone has a mutated JAK2 gene, the body could make a protein that signals the bone marrow to create more red blood cells than it needs.

Learn more about genetic disorders here.

A person should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above that could be a sign of high or low hematocrit levels, including fatigue, weakness, vision problems, and dizziness.

These symptoms can also indicate an underlying condition, so a person must contact a doctor promptly to prevent future complications.

If a person is receiving chemotherapy treatment, a doctor should perform regular hematocrit tests to monitor bone marrow health.

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood cells in a person’s blood volume. A doctor may test an individual’s hematocrit level due to certain symptoms.

A low hematocrit level means there are too few red blood cells in the body. In these cases, a person may experience symptoms that signal anemia. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and low energy.

If a person has too many red blood cells, they have a high hematocrit level. A person may experience dizziness and headaches, which can be a sign of the condition polycythemia.

Demographic and lifestyle factors can influence a person’s hematocrit levels. For example, males tend to have higher levels than females. Pregnant individuals can experience a decrease in hematocrit levels, and strength training may also reduce levels.

There are also several health conditions that can cause hematocrit levels outside the normal range. Excessive bleeding, thalassemia, and kidney disease are causes of low levels. COPD and sickle cell anemia can cause high levels.

Read this article in Spanish.

norm in a child, women, men, causes of increased, decreased values ​​in the blood

Hematocrit is one of the blood indicators that registers the total volume of all formed elements, and these are erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, in relation to the total volume. Moreover, 99% of the volume of all these elements falls on erythrocytes. The hematocrit (Ht) is expressed as a percentage, but a liter per liter (L/L) can also be selected.

Human blood contains from 36 to 48% of formed elements, it also contains plasma, water, proteins, carbohydrates and salts.

Hematocrit is determined simply: a certain amount of blood is poured into a special tube with graduation, then it is sent to a centrifuge, and at the end of the process, the fraction of the length of the tube that was filled with erythrocyte mass is determined. Also, laboratories now use automatic hematology analyzers that allow you to get data in just a few minutes.

Blood hematocrit norm

The body of an adult healthy person contains about 5 liters of blood. Erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets cannot be called cells, they do not have the necessary parameters for this. Therefore, they are called formed elements. Different people have different amounts of these elements per liter of blood. For example, according to statistics, the hematocrit in men is higher and equal to 40-41%, sometimes this figure can reach 51%.

Hematocrit in women is slightly lower and usually ranges from 36-42%. The reason for this is such a physiological feature as menstruation. As for the period of pregnancy, here this figure begins to decrease in the second half, and this is also not a pathology.

Hematocrit in children always depends on age, therefore, before drawing conclusions from the analysis, it is necessary to find out how many months or years the baby is. In newborn babies, this figure can be equal to 44-62%, at the age of 3 months it decreases and the figure becomes up to 44%, from 3 months to 1 year the figures can range from 32 to 43%. In the first ten years, Ht in boys can rise to 52%, and in girls it can be at around 35-47%. In subsequent years, the hematocrit norm is equal to the same indicator that is recorded in adults.

Causes of increased hematocrit

Why can it happen that the hematocrit in the blood test is elevated? There are pathological and physiological causes, so before starting any treatment, it is important to understand their origin.

Pathological causes include the following diseases and conditions:

1. Dehydration (dehydration). Due to the fact that the amount of blood that circulates through the vessels decreases, the formed elements are in a more concentrated state. This happens with vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, overheating, lack of fluid.
2. Second and third degree burns. In this case, blisters appear on the body, which are filled with plasma, and it appeared in them from the bloodstream. Therefore, the blood becomes thicker, and the concentration of formed elements increases.
3. Peritonitis, thrombosis or diabetes mellitus.
4. Chronic hypoxia.
5. Regular use of glucocorticosteroids or diuretics.
6. Kidney disease – hydronephrosis.
7. Almost all blood diseases, including leukemia.
8. Polycystic.
9. Heart defects, ischemic heart disease.
10. Erythremia.
11. Many lung diseases, including asthma, bronchitis.
12. Severe bleeding.

However, hematocrit analysis alone is not enough to make an accurate diagnosis, it is not very informative. Therefore, it is often done as part of a general blood test, and further therapy tactics are already built on it, if it turns out to be necessary.

But elevated hematocrit can also be the result of certain physiological phenomena. In this case, deviations of this indicator cannot be considered pathological. High Ht in comparison with the norm is detected in people who smoke constantly and for a long time, which is associated with the development of chronic oxygen starvation of tissues and increased production of red blood cells.

Residents of high mountain regions and mountaineers who spend a lot of time at altitude also have Ht in the range of 51-52%. This is all connected with the same oxygen starvation and the need for the body to compensate for this lack. Also, elevated Ht is typical for athletes who take anabolics that help them gain the required amount of muscle mass.

Manifestations and symptoms of elevated hematocrit

If the hematocrit in the blood is elevated, then this will not necessarily be expressed by certain symptoms. However, it should be remembered that this condition is always expressed by an increase in blood viscosity, which creates a great threat for the formation of blood clots and clogging of both small and large vessels.

If this happens in the coronary arteries, then myocardial infarction develops against the background of thrombosis. If a thrombus forms in the pulmonary artery, then death occurs in 70% of all cases. If the arteries of the brain are affected, then this leads to the development of an ischemic stroke. With thrombosis of the vessels of the legs, gangrene begins to develop.

Therefore, it is important to find out the cause of elevated Ht as soon as possible and start timely treatment.

Reasons for low hematocrit

A decrease in hematocrit can occur without any pronounced symptoms, so this result is usually detected after a blood test and is an unexpected discovery for a person.

The main reasons why the hematocrit may be low are:

• virtually all anemias, including iron deficiency, folate deficiency, B12 deficiency;
• violation of the production of red blood cells due to pathologies of the bone marrow, including oncological ones;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• diseases of the urinary system;
• hemolysis or destruction of red blood cells;
• chronic bleeding;
• increase in circulating blood volume;
• hyperproteinemia;
• lead intoxication;
• acute infections;
• the use of anticoagulants and similar drugs that affect the composition of the blood.

Decreased hematocrit may have physiological causes. This is work associated with a long stay in one position, starvation or adherence to strict diets, a large amount of fluid that enters the body, alcoholism, the use of large amounts of salt, the period of menstruation.

Manifestations and symptoms of low hematocrit

The reasons for the drop in hematocrit will directly affect what symptoms a person experiences. For example, if it is anemia, then there will be such complaints:

• headache and constant weakness;
• impaired consciousness and breathing;
• dizziness, nausea or vomiting;
• constant thirst;
• lack of strength and exercise intolerance.

If the cause is kidney and urinary system diseases, then there will be complaints about a decrease in the amount of urine excreted, pain in the lumbar region, urination disorder, and changes in blood pressure.

With cirrhosis of the liver, complaints will be of pain in the right side of the abdomen under the ribs, the appearance of spider veins on the skin, indigestion, excessive formation of gases, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, in advanced cases – internal bleeding.

What tests are needed?

To find out the relative content of all formed elements in the blood, it is necessary to analyze the hematocrit. It is done as part of a general blood test (CBC), when, together with Ht, the number of all elements is calculated, and the ESR is also determined.

Usually, it is with the KLA that a patient’s examination begins to identify a particular disease, or it is carried out for preventive purposes as part of a medical examination, medical examination.

Both venous blood and capillary fingerstick blood can be used for analysis. It is best to take the test in the morning, before breakfast. This allows you to get the right readings that will help the doctor determine if Ht is elevated or low, or its values ​​are within the normal range.

What do the results of a clinical blood test say? (continued3)

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WE continue to acquaint our readers with the diagnostic value of clinical blood tests – and in the previous article we have already discussed such of them as erythrocytes and hemoglobin.

What other indicators are used along with those indicated to monitor the state of both the blood itself and the body as a whole? Traditionally, we address our question to the head of the clinical diagnostic laboratory of the Floris Medical Center LARISA ROGULSKAYA.

– One such indicator is hematocrit. This indicator reflects the volume fraction (%), which is erythrocytes from the total blood volume. Like any other laboratory value, hematocrit must be evaluated in conjunction with other indicators. An incorrect assessment threatens with an erroneous opinion about the patient’s state of health. For example, in a patient in shock, the hematocrit may be normal due to blood clots, but the red blood cell count may be reduced due to blood loss. Therefore, immediately after bleeding or blood transfusion, the hematocrit value is not indicative of the degree of anemia. But such difficulties with interpretation do not at all detract from the value of the hematocrit value in the clinic. Normally, this figure in adult women is 35-47%, in adult men – 39-50%. An increase in the hematocrit value is noted in some malignant blood diseases, it can be observed in congenital heart defects, respiratory failure, some tumors and polycystic kidney disease. Abnormally elevated hematocrit often occurs with burn disease, peritonitis, dehydration of the body as a result of severe diarrhea or vomiting, sometimes with diabetes.

Decreased hematocrit, a common sign of anemia, may occur with uncontrolled intravenous drip infusions.

One of the most important indicators of a clinical blood test related to erythrocytes is the ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). This is an indicator of the rate of separation of blood mixed with a reagent that prevents its coagulation in a thin glass capillary into two layers: a transparent top (blood plasma) and a red-colored bottom (erythrocytes and other blood cells). In fact, how many millimeters the erythrocytes settle within an hour, this will be the ESR indicator.

In healthy adult males, the ESR is 1-10 mm/hour, in some up to 15, and in men over 50 it can be up to 20 mm/hour. Healthy adult women have 215 mm/hour, some have up to 20, and women over 50 may have up to 30 mm/hour. Determination of ESR is a mandatory component of a clinical blood test, performed to detect inflammation of a different nature, and also makes it possible to suspect a tumor process with a high degree of probability, in which the indicator is characterized by consistently high numbers. ESR values ​​also increase in case of poisoning, acute and chronic infections, including pneumonia, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, myocardial infarction, joint diseases of various origins, injuries and fractures, conditions after operations, anemia, kidney diseases, as well as when taking certain medications. . A decrease in ESR values ​​(approaching zero) may indicate a dangerous malignant blood disease.