Borderline high haemoglobin

[Queencara78]

Hi all,

Have any of you had elevated red blood count? my haemoglobin has been borderline high at 15.5 for over 8 weeks now and confused as to why.

[TheAuthor]

Hi Queencara78

I am so genuinely sorry to read this and from what I have read there is nothing to worry about unless you have an underline illness such as COPD etc. I would talk to your doctor about this if you are unsure? The high level does not apply until you get past 16. I have pasted you an excerpt from the *mayoclinic cache on this issue below:

Causes

.

High hemoglobin count occurs most commonly when your body requires an increased oxygen-carrying capacity, usually because:

You smoke

You live at higher altitudes and your red blood cell production naturally increases to compensate for the lower oxygen supply there

High hemoglobin count occurs less commonly because:

Your red blood cell production increases to compensate for chronically low blood oxygen levels due to poor heart or lung function.

You have a bone marrow dysfunction that results in increased production of red blood cells.

You've taken drugs or hormones, most commonly erythropoietin (EPO), that stimulate red blood cell production. You're not likely to get a high hemoglobin count from EPO given to you if you have chronic kidney disease. But EPO doping — getting injections to enhance athletic performance — can cause a high hemoglobin count.

A high hemoglobin count in the absence of any other abnormalities is unlikely to be related to any condition of concern.

I would say that I have had a high white cell count for a long time now and it would appear that mine is due to my body fighting off infections and illnesses. I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck, and please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken