Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. Beyond oxygen transport, hemoglobin also carries carbon dioxide, a waste product, from the tissues back to the lungs to be exhaled. The level of hemoglobin in the blood is a common indicator of overall health.
What Do Hemoglobin Numbers Mean?
A hemoglobin level is a measurement of the amount of this protein in your blood, expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL). This test is part of a routine complete blood count (CBC), which analyzes the different components of your blood.
To measure hemoglobin, a laboratory instrument quantifies the amount of hemoglobin in the blood sample. The resulting number represents the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. A higher number indicates a greater capacity to transport oxygen, while a lower number suggests a reduced capacity.
Interpreting a Hemoglobin Level of 13.6 g/dL
The interpretation of a hemoglobin level of 13.6 g/dL depends largely on the individual’s sex. For adult women, a normal hemoglobin range is between 12.0 and 15.5 g/dL. Therefore, a result of 13.6 g/dL falls comfortably within the normal range for most non-pregnant adult females.
For adult men, the standard normal range is higher, from 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL. In this context, a level of 13.6 g/dL is at the low end of the normal range and could be considered borderline. What is considered “normal” can also have slight variations between different laboratories and testing methods.
For pregnant women, the ranges are different, and a level above 11 g/dL is often considered adequate. Reference ranges can also be influenced by age, with older adults sometimes having slightly lower baseline levels.
Common Factors Affecting Hemoglobin
Several factors beyond underlying medical conditions can influence a person’s hemoglobin levels. Diet plays a significant role, as nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and folate are necessary for the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
Physiological and environmental conditions can also cause fluctuations. Individuals living at high altitudes, where oxygen levels are lower, may develop higher hemoglobin concentrations as their bodies adapt to improve oxygen transport. Dehydration can lead to a falsely elevated hemoglobin level because the volume of plasma in the blood is reduced. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can also increase hemoglobin levels.
Certain underlying health issues can impact hemoglobin as well. Chronic conditions like kidney disease can interfere with the production of a hormone that stimulates red blood cell creation. Blood loss, whether from an obvious injury or internal bleeding, will also lower hemoglobin counts.
Signs of Hemoglobin Imbalance and Next Steps
When hemoglobin levels are significantly low, a condition known as anemia, a person might experience symptoms related to insufficient oxygen delivery. These can include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- A rapid heartbeat
Conversely, an abnormally high hemoglobin level, a condition called polycythemia, can also cause symptoms. Individuals might experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- A reddish or purplish tint to their skin
- Itchiness
If you have a hemoglobin result of 13.6 g/dL and are experiencing symptoms, or if the level is borderline for your demographic, it is best to discuss it with a healthcare provider. A doctor can evaluate this result with your overall health and medical history to determine if further investigation is needed.