High protein in the blood, medically termed hyperproteinemia, indicates an elevated concentration of proteins within the blood plasma. Blood plasma, the liquid component of blood, carries numerous proteins that are essential for supporting various bodily functions. When the total protein level in the bloodstream is higher than the normal range, it often signals the presence of an underlying medical condition. This elevated level is typically a laboratory finding rather than a disease itself.
The Role of Blood Proteins
Blood contains two primary types of proteins measured in a total protein test: albumin and globulins. Albumin, primarily produced by the liver, plays a significant role in maintaining fluid balance by preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. It also serves as a transporter for various substances, including hormones, fatty acids, bilirubin, and certain medications throughout the body.
Globulins, produced by both the liver and the immune system, encompass a diverse group of proteins. They are involved in the body’s immune response, forming antibodies that help fight infections and foreign invaders. Additionally, globulins contribute to transporting nutrients and aiding in blood clotting processes.
Common Causes of High Blood Protein
Several conditions can lead to elevated protein levels in the blood. One common reason is dehydration, where a reduction in the body’s fluid volume concentrates the existing proteins in the blood plasma, leading to a relative increase in their measured levels. Adequate fluid intake is important to maintain normal blood concentration.
Chronic inflammation or ongoing infections can also elevate blood protein. During an immune response, the body produces more globulins, specifically immunoglobulins or antibodies, to combat pathogens or inflammatory processes. Conditions such as chronic inflammatory diseases, viral hepatitis B or C, and HIV can stimulate this increased production.
Certain diseases, particularly plasma cell disorders, directly cause an increase in specific proteins. Multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, leads to the overproduction of abnormal proteins, often referred to as M proteins. Waldenström macroglobulinemia similarly results in high levels of abnormal macroglobulin proteins.
How High Blood Protein is Detected
High blood protein levels are typically discovered through a routine blood test called a “Total Protein” test. This test is often included as part of a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), which provides an overview of various substances in the blood. The Total Protein test measures the combined amounts of albumin and globulins, and it also calculates their ratio.
Symptoms directly attributable to high blood protein are rare or non-specific; any symptoms a person experiences are usually related to the underlying condition causing the elevation. If an elevated total protein level is found, further tests may be conducted to identify which specific proteins are increased. Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) is a common follow-up test that separates blood proteins into distinct groups, helping to identify abnormal proteins like those seen in plasma cell disorders. Additionally, urine protein tests may be performed to assess kidney function, as protein in the urine can indicate kidney damage.
Addressing Elevated Protein Levels
High protein in the blood is not a disease in itself but rather an indicator of an underlying health issue. Therefore, managing elevated protein levels focuses on diagnosing and treating the root cause. A healthcare provider will evaluate the test results in the context of a patient’s overall health history and other symptoms.
Treatment strategies vary widely depending on the specific cause. For example, if dehydration is the cause, increasing fluid intake through oral rehydration or intravenous fluids helps normalize protein concentration. When inflammation or infection is present, treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, or antiviral drugs to resolve the underlying condition. For specific diseases like multiple myeloma, targeted therapies such as chemotherapy may be used to reduce the production of abnormal proteins. The healthcare provider guides the appropriate course of action, which may include follow-up testing and lifestyle adjustments like maintaining adequate hydration.