A hematocrit test measures the proportion of red blood cells in your blood, indicating how much of your blood volume is occupied by these oxygen-carrying cells. This measurement is a key indicator of blood health and is often part of a complete blood count (CBC). A healthy number of red blood cells is important because they transport oxygen throughout the body.
Understanding Elevated Hematocrit
Elevated hematocrit, or erythrocytosis, means a higher percentage of red blood cells in the blood. This can stem from various factors. One common cause is dehydration, where a decrease in plasma volume makes the blood more concentrated, increasing the proportion of red blood cells.
Chronic smoking can also lead to elevated hematocrit. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, prompting the body to produce more red blood cells to compensate for reduced oxygen delivery. Certain lung diseases, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, impair oxygen absorption, leading to increased red blood cell production.
Living at high altitudes, where oxygen levels are naturally lower, similarly stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells. Elevated hematocrit can also signal a blood disorder like polycythemia vera, where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells. Sustained high hematocrit increases blood viscosity, making the blood thicker and potentially straining the cardiovascular system. This thickness raises the likelihood of blood clots.
Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments
Certain lifestyle and dietary adjustments can help manage and reduce elevated hematocrit levels, especially when the cause is not severe. Maintaining adequate hydration is a straightforward and effective approach, as dehydration directly contributes to a higher hematocrit by reducing the fluid component of blood.
Quitting smoking is another significant step, as it improves oxygen delivery and reduces the need for excess red blood cell production. For individuals living at high altitudes, adjusting to a lower altitude can naturally decrease hematocrit over time. While direct dietary interventions are limited, a balanced diet avoiding excessive iron intake can be considered under medical guidance, especially if iron overload is a concern. Some research suggests that consuming grapefruit or increasing antioxidant intake might play a role in red blood cell regulation, but further evidence is needed.
Medical Treatment Options
When lifestyle changes are insufficient or elevated hematocrit stems from a serious underlying condition, medical interventions are necessary. The primary treatment for significantly elevated hematocrit, especially in conditions like polycythemia vera, is therapeutic phlebotomy. This procedure involves the controlled removal of blood, similar to a blood donation.
Phlebotomy aims to reduce the total volume of red blood cells, lowering hematocrit and decreasing blood thickness. The goal is often to maintain hematocrit levels below a specific target (e.g., 45% for men, 42% for women) to reduce the likelihood of blood clots. A healthcare professional determines the frequency and volume of blood removed based on the individual’s condition and response. In some cases, medications like hydroxyurea may be prescribed to suppress the bone marrow’s overproduction of blood cells, particularly for conditions such as polycythemia vera.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Self-diagnosis or self-treatment for elevated hematocrit is not advisable. If high hematocrit is suspected, or if symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath occur, seek professional medical attention. These symptoms can indicate an underlying condition requiring proper diagnosis and management.
A healthcare provider can perform tests, such as a complete blood count, to accurately measure hematocrit levels and investigate the cause. They can then provide an individualized treatment plan, including lifestyle adjustments, dietary recommendations, or medical interventions. Consulting a doctor before making significant changes to one’s lifestyle or diet for this condition ensures that any actions taken are safe and appropriate for the individual’s specific health needs.