The material was commented and checked by Ivan Romasov, therapist and cardiologist of the Semeynaya network of clinics
What is hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is a protein from red blood cells that carries iron throughout the body. It holds oxygen, which is essential for all bodily functions. Various factors affect hemoglobin levels, including age, gender, and possible medical conditions. A deviation from the norm in indicators is a sign of many diagnoses, although in some patients this is an individual feature. Therefore, only a doctor can determine whether each specific case requires correction [1].
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When to get tested for hemoglobin
The main function of hemoglobin is respiratory. With its lack, hypoxia can occur - oxygen starvation. Usually, a blood test for hemoglobin is prescribed during a general examination and medical examination, or to track the body's response to treatment and prescribed drugs.
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This is one of the basic indicators for any course of disease. It is also important to monitor hemoglobin during pregnancy. If you notice the following symptoms in yourself, make an appointment with a therapist who will order a blood test:
- chronic fatigue and apathy;
- frequent headaches;
- insomnia or drowsiness;
- memory impairment;
- pallor of the skin, long-term non-healing wounds and bruises;
- constant thirst and frequent urination;
- the appearance of causeless dry mouth.
Controlling hemoglobin levels allows you to identify many dangerous diseases in the early stages in order to start treatment as soon as possible. In addition, prolonged deviations from the norm of blood counts can lead to serious complications. For example, regardless of the reasons for the increase in hemoglobin, the hematocrit - the volume of red blood cells - increases, as a result of which the permeability of thin capillaries decreases, the nutrition of all organs and tissues of the body worsens. This process affects the deterioration of immunity, the appearance of puffiness and slowing down the regeneration processes.