What does low hematocrit and hemoglobin mean

Each time a blood transfusion is made, hematocrit increase around 3 or 4%. In this case, you may need a blood transfusion to increase the hematocrit level. If hematocrit percentage is below 18%, you will not be able to do any physical activity and it may lead to cardiovascular problems (tachycardia, etc.). With such a low value, the symptoms of a severe anemia are usually present and you may suffer from dyspnea (difficulty breathing), fainting and palpitations.

Severe hematocrit decrease (< 24 % in adult women and < 24% in adult men):ДЄ hematocrit level around 24% correlates with a hemoglobin level around 8 g/dl that can be considered a severe anemia.

You should visit your doctor and he will prescribe you the proper treatment depending on the type of anemia you may suffer.

Moderate hematocrit decrease (24 - 33 % in adult women and 24 вЂ“ 33% in adult men):ДЄ moderate hematocrit decrease is usually a sign of anemia.ДЄ hematocrit of 30% correlates with a hemoglobin level around 10 g/dl and the symptoms of a moderate anemia, such as fatigue or headache, will be present.

In any case, the hematocrit should be monitored along with the hemoglobin because it may be the first sign of an anemia. It may be due to a drug interaction or a recent bleeding for example, because of menstruation in women.

Mild hematocrit decrease (33 - 36 % in adult women and 33 вЂ“ 40% in adult men):ДЄ mild hematocrit decrease is not usually a matter for concern.

In addition to the hematocrit percentage, it is necessary to study other RBC tests such as RBC count, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, MCHC and RDW to identify the type of anemia.ДЄ low hematocrit percentage in the blood means:

Anemia of the chronic disease related to kidney ( kidney failure) or liver ( cirrhosis).

If a person has too many red blood cells, they have a high hematocrit level. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and low energy. In these cases, a person may experience symptoms that signal anemia.

Hemolytic anemia and thalassemia as a consequence of an unbalanced hemoglobin synthesis. A low hematocrit level means the are too few red blood cells in the body.

Aplastic anemia due to a disorder of the bone marrow.

Megaloblastic anemia as a consequence of lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid.

Posthemorrhagic anemia due to severe bleedings.If hemoglobin, hematocrit and iron are simultaneously low, it is the first possibility that should be studied. The lack of iron may be due to excessive bleeding, menstruation or ulcers. Iron-deficiency anemia: It is definitely the most common anemia.There are many types of anemia and multiple causes of this disorder. Hemoglobin and hematocrit usually decrease simultaneously. A low hematocrit percentage is usually seen along a low hemoglobin level in the blood, what is called anemia. A low hematocrit (HCT) percentage may be a sign of anemia.

What does low hematocrit and hemoglobin mean