About all

Hematocrit 33: Hematocrit and Hemoglobin

Hematocrit level and associated mortality in hemodialysis patients

Comparative Study

. 1999 Mar;10(3):610-9.

doi: 10.1681/ASN.V103610.

J Z Ma 
1
, J Ebben, H Xia, A J Collins

Affiliations

Affiliation

  • 1 Division of Nephrology, Hennepin County Medical Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55404, USA.
  • PMID:

    10073612

  • DOI:

    10.1681/ASN.V103610

Comparative Study

J Z Ma et al.

J Am Soc Nephrol.

1999 Mar.

. 1999 Mar;10(3):610-9.

doi: 10.1681/ASN.V103610.

Authors

J Z Ma 
1
, J Ebben, H Xia, A J Collins

Affiliation

  • 1 Division of Nephrology, Hennepin County Medical Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55404, USA.
  • PMID:

    10073612

  • DOI:

    10.1681/ASN.V103610

Abstract

Although a number of clinical studies have shown that increased hematocrits are associated with improved outcomes in terms of cognitive function, reduced left ventricular hypertrophy, increased exercise tolerance, and improved quality of life, the optimal hematocrit level associated with survival has yet to be determined. The association between hematocrit levels and patient mortality was retrospectively studied in a prevalent Medicare hemodialysis cohort on a national scale. All patients survived a 6-mo entry period during which their hematocrit levels were assessed, from July 1 through December 31, 1993, with follow-up from January 1 through December 31, 1994. Patient comorbid conditions relative to clinical events and severity of disease were determined from Medicare claims data and correlated with the entry period hematocrit level. After adjusting for medical diseases, our results showed that patients with hematocrit levels less than 30% had significantly higher risk of all-cause (12 to 33%) and cause-specific death, compared to patients with hematocrits in the 30% to less than 33% range. Without severity of disease adjustment, patients with hematocrit levels of 33% to less than 36% appear to have the lowest risk for all-cause and cardiac mortality. After adjusting for severity of disease, the impact of hematocrit levels of 33% to less than 36% is vulnerable to the patient sample size but also demonstrates a further 4% reduced risk of death. Overall, these findings suggest that sustained increases in hematocrit levels are associated with improved patient survival.

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Publication types

MeSH terms

Anemia in Pregnancy – Gynecology and Obstetrics




By

Lara A. Friel

, MD, PhD, University of Texas Health Medical School at Houston, McGovern Medical School


Reviewed/Revised Oct 2021 | Modified Sep 2022


View Patient Education









Normally during pregnancy, erythroid hyperplasia of the marrow occurs, and red blood cell (RBC) mass increases. However, a disproportionate increase in plasma volume results in hemodilution (hydremia of pregnancy): hematocrit (Hct) decreases from between 38% and 45% in healthy women who are not pregnant to about 34% during late single pregnancy and to 30% during late multifetal pregnancy. The following hemoglobin (Hb) and Hct levels are classified as anemic:

  • 1st trimester: Hb

  • 2nd trimester: Hb

  • 3rd trimester: Hb

If Hb is

Anemia Red Blood Cell Production Red blood cell (RBC) production (erythropoiesis) takes place in the bone marrow under the control of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). Juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney produce erythropoietin… read more occurs in up to one third of women during the 3rd trimester. The most common causes are

  • Iron deficiency Iron Deficiency Iron (Fe) is a component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and many enzymes in the body. Heme iron is contained mainly in animal products. It is absorbed much better than nonheme iron (eg, in plants… read more

  • Folate deficiency Folate Deficiency Folate deficiency is common. It may result from inadequate intake, malabsorption, or use of various drugs. Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia (indistinguishable from that due to vitamin… read more

Obstetricians, in consultation with a perinatologist, should evaluate anemia in pregnant Jehovah’s Witness patients (who are likely to refuse blood transfusions) as soon as possible.

Early symptoms of anemia are usually nonexistent or nonspecific (eg, fatigue, weakness, light-headedness, mild dyspnea during exertion). Other symptoms and signs may include pallor and, if anemia is severe, tachycardia or hypotension.

Anemia increases risk of

  • Preterm delivery Preterm Labor Labor (contractions resulting in cervical change) that begins before 37 weeks gestation is considered preterm. Risk factors include prelabor rupture of membranes, uterine abnormalities, infection… read more

  • Low birth weight

  • Postpartum maternal infections

Diagnosis of anemia begins with CBC; usually, if women have anemia, subsequent testing is based on whether the MCV is low ( 100 fL):

  • For microcytic anemias: Evaluation includes testing for iron deficiency (measuring serum ferritin) and hemoglobinopathies Overview of Hemolytic Anemia At the end of their normal life span (about 120 days), red blood cells (RBCs) are removed from the circulation. Hemolysis is defined as premature destruction and hence a shortened RBC life span. .. read more (using hemoglobin electrophoresis). If these tests are nondiagnostic and there is no response to empiric treatment, consultation with a hematologist is usually warranted.

  • For macrocytic anemias: Evaluation includes serum folate and vitamin B12 levels.

  • For anemia with mixed causes: Evaluation for both types is required.

Treatment of anemia during pregnancy is directed at reversing the anemia (see below).

Transfusion is usually indicated for any anemia if severe constitutional symptoms (eg, light-headedness, weakness, fatigue) or cardiopulmonary symptoms or signs (eg, dyspnea, tachycardia, tachypnea) are present; the decision is not based on the Hct.

Pearls & Pitfalls

  • Hemodilution occurs during pregnancy, but oxygen-carrying capacity remains normal throughout pregnancy.

  • The most common causes of anemia during pregnancy are iron deficiency and folate acid deficiency.

  • Anemia increases risk of preterm delivery and postpartum maternal infections.

  • If Hb is

  • Treat the cause of the anemia if possible, but if patients have severe symptoms, transfusion is usually indicated.

About 95% of anemia cases during pregnancy are iron deficiency anemia Iron Deficiency Anemia Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia and usually results from blood loss; malabsorption, such as occurs in celiac disease, is a much less common cause. Symptoms are usually nonspecific… read more . The cause is usually

  • Inadequate dietary intake (especially in adolescent girls)

  • A previous pregnancy

  • The normal recurrent loss of iron in menstrual blood (which approximates the amount normally ingested each month and thus prevents iron stores from building up) before the woman became pregnant

Typically, Hct is ≤ 30%, and MCV is

One 325-mg ferrous sulfate tablet taken midmorning is usually effective. Higher or more frequent doses increase GI adverse effects, especially constipation, and one dose blocks absorption of the next dose, thereby reducing percentage intake.

About 20% of pregnant women do not absorb enough supplemental oral iron; a few of them require parenteral therapy. The iron deficit may be calculated, and the iron can often be replaced over one or two infusions. Hct or Hb is measured weekly to determine response. If iron supplements are ineffective, concomitant folate deficiency should be suspected.

Neonates of mothers with iron deficiency anemia usually have a normal Hct but decreased total iron stores and a need for early dietary iron supplements.

Although the practice is controversial, iron supplements (usually ferrous sulfate 325 mg orally once a day) are usually given routinely to pregnant women to prevent depletion of body iron stores and prevent the anemia that may result from abnormal bleeding or a subsequent pregnancy.

Folate deficiency Folate Deficiency Folate deficiency is common. It may result from inadequate intake, malabsorption, or use of various drugs. Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia (indistinguishable from that due to vitamin… read more increases risk of neural tube defects Overview of Congenital Neurologic Anomalies Congenital brain anomalies usually cause severe neurologic deficits; some may be fatal. Some of the most serious neurologic anomalies (eg, anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida) develop in… read more and possibly fetal alcohol syndrome Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Alcohol exposure in utero increases the risk of spontaneous abortion, decreases birth weight, and can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a constellation of variable physical and cognitive abnormalities… read more . Deficiency occurs in 0.5 to 1.5% of pregnant women; megaloblastic macrocytic anemia Megaloblastic Macrocytic Anemias Megaloblastic anemias result most often from deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folate. Ineffective hematopoiesis affects all cell lines but particularly red blood cells. Diagnosis is usually based… read more is present if deficiency is moderate or severe.

Rarely, severe anemia and glossitis occur.

Folate deficiency is suspected if CBC shows anemia with macrocytic indices or high RBC distribution width (RDW). Low serum folate levels confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment is folic acid 1 mg orally twice a day.

Severe megaloblastic anemia may warrant bone marrow examination and further treatment in a hospital.

For prevention, all pregnant women and women who are trying to conceive are given folic acid 0.4 to 0.8 mg orally once a day. Women who have had a fetus with spina bifida should take 4 mg once a day, starting before conception.

During pregnancy, hemoglobinopathies, particularly sickle cell disease Sickle Cell Disease Sickle cell disease (a hemoglobinopathy) causes a chronic hemolytic anemia occurring almost exclusively in people with African ancestry. It is caused by homozygous inheritance of genes for hemoglobin. .. read more , Hb S-C disease Hemoglobin S-C Disease Hemoglobin S-C disease is a hemoglobinopathy that causes symptoms similar to those of sickle cell disease, but usually less severe. (See also Overview of Hemolytic Anemia.) The heterozygous… read more , and beta- and alpha- thalassemia Thalassemias Thalassemias are a group of inherited microcytic, hemolytic anemias characterized by defective hemoglobin synthesis. Alpha-thalassemia is particularly common among people with African, Mediterranean… read more , can worsen maternal and perinatal outcomes. Genetic screening genetic screening Genetic Screening for Some Ethnic Groups for some of these disorders is available.

Preexisting sickle cell disease, particularly if severe, increases risk of the following:

  • Maternal infection (most often, pneumonia Overview of Pneumonia Pneumonia is acute inflammation of the lungs caused by infection. Initial diagnosis is usually based on chest x-ray and clinical findings. Causes, symptoms, treatment, preventive measures, and… read more , urinary tract infections [UTIs] Postpartum Pyelonephritis Pyelonephritis is bacterial infection of the renal parenchyma. Pyelonephritis may occur postpartum if bacteria ascend from the bladder. The infection may begin as asymptomatic bacteriuria during… read more , and endometritis Postpartum Endometritis Postpartum endometritis is uterine infection, typically caused by bacteria ascending from the lower genital or gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms are uterine tenderness, abdominal or pelvic pain… read more )

  • Pregnancy-induced hypertension Hypertension in Pregnancy Recommendations regarding classification, diagnosis, and management of hypertensive disorders (including preeclampsia) are available from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists… read more

  • Heart failure Heart Failure (HF) Heart failure (HF) is a syndrome of ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular (LV) failure causes shortness of breath and fatigue, and right ventricular (RV) failure causes peripheral and abdominal… read more

  • Pulmonary infarction Pathophysiology

  • Fetal growth restriction Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Infant Infants whose weight is < the 10th percentile for gestational age are classified as small for gestational age. Complications include perinatal asphyxia, meconium aspiration, polycythemia… read more

  • Preterm delivery Preterm Labor Labor (contractions resulting in cervical change) that begins before 37 weeks gestation is considered preterm. Risk factors include prelabor rupture of membranes, uterine abnormalities, infection… read more

  • Low birth weight Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) Infant Infants whose weight is < the 10th percentile for gestational age are classified as small for gestational age. Complications include perinatal asphyxia, meconium aspiration, polycythemia. .. read more

Anemia almost always becomes more severe as pregnancy progresses. Sickle cell trait increases the risk of UTIs but is not associated with severe pregnancy-related complications.

Treatment of sickle cell disease during pregnancy is complex. Painful crises should be treated aggressively. Prophylactic exchange transfusions to keep Hb A at ≥ 60% reduce risk of hemolytic crises and pulmonary complications, but they are not routinely recommended because they increase risk of transfusion reactions, hepatitis, HIV transmission, and blood group isoimmunization. Prophylactic transfusion does not appear to decrease perinatal risk. Therapeutic transfusion is indicated for the following:

  • Symptomatic anemia

  • Heart failure

  • Severe bacterial infection

  • Severe complications of labor and delivery (eg, bleeding, sepsis)

Hb S-C disease may first cause symptoms during pregnancy. The disease increases risk of pulmonary infarction by occasionally causing bony spicule embolization. Effects on the fetus are uncommon but, if they occur, often include fetal growth restriction.

Sickle cell–beta-thalassemia is similar to Hb S-C disease but is less common and more benign.

Alpha-thalassemia does not cause maternal morbidity, but if the fetus is homozygous, hydrops and fetal death occur during the 2nd or early 3rd trimester.



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Hematocrit

Hematocrit is the ratio of the volume of erythrocytes to the volume of the liquid part of the blood.

Determination of hematocrit is an integral part of the general blood test and is not performed separately.

Russian synonyms

Hematocrit value.

Synonyms English

Ht, Hct, Hematocrit, Crit, Haematocrit, PCV, Packed Cell Volume.

Units

% (percentage).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous or capillary blood.

General information about the study

Hematocrit measures the volume of blood that red blood cells occupy in the bloodstream. This indicator is expressed as a percentage. For example, a hematocrit of 45% means that 100 milliliters of blood contains 45 milliliters of red blood cells.

An increase in hematocrit occurs if the number of red blood cells increases or the volume of the liquid part of the blood decreases, which happens when the body loses excess fluid (for example, with diarrhea). A decrease in this indicator is observed, on the contrary, with a decrease in the number of red blood cells (for example, due to their loss, destruction, or a decrease in their formation) or with overhydration – when a person receives too much fluid (for example, with excessive administration of intravenous solutions).

Hematocrit reflects not only the number of red blood cells, but also their size. If the size of red blood cells decreases (as in iron deficiency anemia), the hematocrit will also decrease.

What is research used for?

  • In the diagnosis of anemia and polycythemia and to evaluate the effectiveness of their treatment.
  • To determine the degree of dehydration.
  • As one of the criteria for deciding on the need for a blood transfusion.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of blood transfusions.

When is the test ordered?

This test is part of a routine complete blood count, which is performed both routinely and in various diseases and pathological conditions, before surgical interventions.

In addition, it can be carried out repeatedly and at certain intervals:

  • for dynamic monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the treatment of anemia and polycythemia,
  • after conditions causing dehydration,
  • for recurrent bleeding for a comprehensive assessment of their severity.

What do the results mean?

Reference values ​​

Age

Floor

Hematocrit, %

41-65

14 days – 1 month

33-55

1-2 months

28-42

2-4 months

32-44

4-6 months

31-41

6-9 months

32-40

9-12 months

33-41

1-3 years

32-40

3-6 years

33-41

6-9 years

34-43

9-12 years old

35-45

12-15 years old

male

35-45

female

34-44

15-18 years old

male

37-48

female

34-44

18-45 years old

male

39-49

female

35-45

45-65 years

male

39-50

female

35-47

> 65 years old

male

37-51

female

35-47

Generally, the hematocrit corresponds to the number of red blood cells, but this is only true when the size of the red blood cells is normal. If the number of normal-sized red blood cells increases, the hematocrit also rises. In cases of large or small erythrocytes, this is not always the case. For example, with iron deficiency, red blood cells decrease and the hematocrit will be reduced, but the number of red blood cells per unit of blood may be normal and even slightly higher.

Hematocrit level above 55% requires clarification of the cause and further diagnostic search.

Causes of low hematocrit:

  • iron-, B 12 – or folic deficiency anemia,
  • acute or chronic bleeding (hematocrit and hemoglobin levels will be elevated during or immediately after bleeding),
  • disorders of hemoglobin synthesis (sickle cell anemia, thalassemia),
  • cirrhosis of the liver,
  • destruction of erythrocytes as a result of hemolysis – the destruction of erythrocytes inside the body (it can occur for various reasons – due to a hereditary defect in erythrocytes, as a result of the appearance of antibodies to one’s own erythrocytes or toxic effects in malaria),
  • oncological diseases of the bone marrow or metastases of other tumors in the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the synthesis of red blood cells,
  • excessive hydration of the body – the introduction of large volumes of intravenous fluids.

Causes of increased hematocrit:

  • dehydration (dehydration) of any origin – due to diarrhea, profuse vomiting, diabetes, after burns,
  • polycythemia vera due to excessive production of red blood cells in the bone marrow,
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
  • chronic heart failure.

What can influence the result of ?

  1. The hematocrit level is normally reduced in pregnant women due to a physiological increase in the volume of the liquid part of the blood.
  2. Persons ascending to high altitudes experience an increase in the number of red blood cells and, accordingly, hematocrit, as their body adapts to the reduced oxygen concentration.
  3. Hematocrit may be increased in smokers due to oxygen deprivation of tissues and increased production of red blood cells.
  4. In newborns, the hematocrit level is increased, since they have quite a lot of large red blood cells in their blood.

Important Notes

  • Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit are strongly related to the degree of body hydration. If the volume of the liquid part of the blood decreases with excessive fluid loss, these indicators will increase. However, the absolute number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin does not change.

Also recommended

  • Clinical blood test: complete analysis, leukocyte count, ESR (with blood smear microscopy if pathological changes are detected)
  • Erythrocyte indices
  • Reticulocytes
  • Erythropoietin
  • Erythrocytes
  • Hemoglobin

Who orders the examination?

General practitioner, internist, hematologist, nephrologist, surgeon.

“Hematocrit below normal – what does this mean in an adult?” — Yandex Q

In this article we consider what to do if the hematocrit is below normal, what does this mean in an adult?

Determination of the hematocrit value is included in the extended complete blood count. The criterion allows you to evaluate the work of the hematopoietic system. The functioning of other organs directly depends on its full functional activity, since it is erythrocytes that deliver oxygen to organs and tissues.

A decrease in hematocrit may occur without the manifestation of pronounced clinical symptoms. A person can attribute increased fatigue to high workload and lack of time for rest. However, a decrease in hematocrit is one of the first symptoms of anemia that requires treatment. The article also addresses the issue of the danger of a long-term decrease in hematocrit.

Contents

  • 1 What does hematocrit show?

  • 2 Hematocrit is below normal – what does it mean?

  • 3 Causes of Decreased Hematocrit in Adults

  • 4 Is low hematocrit dangerous?

  • 5 Methods for increasing hematocrit

What does hematocrit show?

The value reflects the volume of the liquid part of the blood, which in the bloodstream contains formed elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets). The hematocrit value is measured as a percentage. So, if the analysis indicates that the hematocrit is 40%, this means that 40% of red blood cells, platelets, etc. are present in 100 ml of blood.

Low blood hematocrit is observed in patients with a low number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. The indicator also takes into account the size of blood cells. Their decrease is naturally reflected in the results of the analysis.

Measurement of hematocrit is useful in the diagnosis of anemia and hyperproteinemia, as well as in assessing the effectiveness of the selected treatment methods. The test is performed on patients with dehydration to assess the severity of their condition. Included in the list of obligatory determinable indicators for people who are scheduled for blood transfusion, and for pregnant women.

Main article: What is hematocrit, why is it needed and what are its norms?

Hematocrit is below normal – what does it mean?

A low hematocrit in an adult indicates a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood. In this case, the doctor will prescribe additional laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostic methods. Among the laboratory parameters, it is important to determine: the level of iron and ferritin, as well as to evaluate the biochemical parameters of the blood. Of the instrumental methods, it is preferable to conduct an ultrasound examination of the digestive organs, liver and small pelvis. Based on the results of a comprehensive examination and the collected history of the patient, the doctor determines the cause of the low hematocrit.

It should be borne in mind that if a woman gave biomaterial for analysis during menstruation, then the hematocrit is below normal – this is a standard phenomenon. During this period, a woman loses a certain amount of blood, which means that the level of red blood cells is somewhat reduced.

It is important to follow the rules of patient preparation, as well as the collection and transport of biomaterial. During venipuncture, destruction of red blood cells in vitro (hemolysis) can occur. For example, due to strong or prolonged squeezing of the site of taking the biomaterial with a tourniquet or at the wrong temperature for storing the collected blood. The obtained indications cannot be considered reliable, and the patient will definitely need to re-take the biomaterial.

Causes of Decreased Hematocrit in Adults

Only the attending physician after a complete diagnosis can determine the exact cause in each specific case. Consider the main causes of low hematocrit in adults.

Anemia (anemia) describes a group of similar syndromes, united on the basis of a total decrease in the level of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells. It should be noted that the isolated term “anemia”, without clarifying explanations, does not describe a specific disease. In this case, it is only a separate symptom of a disease.

The decrease in the number of erythrocytes is mainly accompanied by changes in their qualitative composition. Which leads to a deterioration in respiratory activity and the gradual development of oxygen starvation of the tissues of all organs. The main symptoms of anemia are:

  • pale skin;
  • increased weakness and fatigue;
  • desire to eat chalk, earth, raw meat;
  • hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin;
  • decreased memory and performance;
  • bluish or yellowish sclera;
  • earthy skin tone;
  • persistent drowsiness;
  • frequent headaches and dizziness;
  • shortness of breath even with little physical activity;
  • tachycardia.

The main causes of anemia

There are many known mechanisms for the development of anemia. Let’s consider the main ones:

  • Malfunctions in the process of synthesis of red blood cells and hemoglobin due to lack of iron and vitamins B 9 in the human bodyand 12, as well as for pathologies of the red bone marrow.
  • Deficiency of red blood cells due to large blood loss, for example, in serious injuries or during surgery. A similar condition occurs in people with chronic bleeding (hemorrhoidal bleeding, intercycle blood loss in women, etc.). The main mechanism is a decrease in the concentration of iron, and not a decrease in the number of red blood cells.
  • Mechanism of enhanced destruction of blood cells. The average lifespan of red blood cells is 4 months. With the manifestation of pathologies affecting the hematopoietic system, blood cells begin to degrade at an accelerated rate. The decay process is also influenced by external factors, for example, the use of vinegar in large quantities.

The prognosis of the outcome of iron deficiency anemia is extremely favorable. The condition is stopped by taking iron and vitamins. The outcome of other forms of anemia depends on their severity.

Fluid in the body

The hematocrit is also reduced with an increased fluid content in the body of an adult. This condition is not associated with excessive fluid intake, but with its retention in the body. Causes: kidney pathology, viral or bacterial infection. There is an increase in blood plasma volumes, while the number of red blood cells does not increase. This naturally leads to a decrease in the hematocrit value.

Hyperproteinemia and nutrition

Another reason is hyperproteinemia. Pathology is characterized by an excess content of proteins in the bloodstream. It occurs due to a violation of the normal functioning of the liver. Proteins begin to “attract” an excess amount of water, while the number of red blood cells does not increase. Thus, their percentage with blood plasma decreases.

In adult patients, the hematocrit is also reduced with a sharp change in diet, prolonged fasting and blood loss.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, a decrease in the considered value is considered normal. In women, the level of plasma volume increases, and red blood cells are not synthesized at an accelerated pace. Thus, the percentage of plasma-erythrocytes is shifted towards a decrease in the latter. The decrease in hematocrit value begins from the fourth week, reaching a peak by 31-35 weeks.

However, a long-term decrease in the index should not be ignored, it is necessary to conduct additional diagnostics in order to exclude the possible development of pathological conditions. Thus, a decrease in hematocrit up to 30% can cause the development of intrauterine fetal hypoxia, impaired fetoplacental circulation, fetal growth retardation, etc. An indicator of 15 to 25% indicates the need for immediate hospitalization of a pregnant woman, followed by continuous monitoring.

Other reasons

Also, low hematocrit in adults can be observed in:

  • lead intoxication;
  • splenomegaly;
  • leukemias;
  • conditions after chemotherapy;
  • acute infectious processes;
  • severe intoxications.

Is low hematocrit dangerous?

The main function of red blood cells is the sufficient supply of cells and tissues with molecular oxygen. With their decrease, there is an insufficient supply of oxygen to the organs. This has a particularly negative effect on the functional activity of the brain. A person has a decrease in concentration, memory and mental activity.

Adults with a low hematocrit are more susceptible to infectious diseases, are unable to function fully, get tired more quickly and lose concentration. In the future, a lack of red blood cells can lead to the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys.

Methods for increasing hematocrit

Do not try to increase the level of red blood cells on your own. The necessary treatment will be selected by a specialist based on the results of laboratory and instrumental studies. In case of prolonged starvation or dehydration, it is necessary to restore the normal diet and the amount of fluid consumed per day.