Sage-Tips

What are the symptoms of a low hematocrit?

When a person has low hematocrit levels they tend to present with the following symptoms:

• pale complexion.
• weakness.
• fatigue.
• low energy.
• trouble breathing.
• irregular heartbeat.
• cold hands or feet.

What does a hematocrit of 35 mean?

The average healthy adult should have a normal hematocrit level that ranges between 35\% to 50\%. A normal hematocrit level for women is 36.1\% to 44.3\%. For men, a normal range is 40.7\% to 50.3\%. The normal numbers vary a little from lab to lab.

Does donating blood lower hematocrit?

The maximal decrease after a blood donation was 11\% for hematocrit, 10\% for hemoglobin concentration, 50\% for ferritin, and 12\% for RBC (p < 0.001).

What does your hematocrit have to be to donate blood?

38\%
Hematocrit level is simply the percentage of red cells in your blood. For example, a level of 38\% is considered the minimum needed for donating blood.

Which is a better indicator for anemia hemoglobin or hematocrit?

Hematocrit was 86.7\% sensitive and 35.4\% specific for a diagnosis of anemia in the 1-sample group and 91.3\% sensitive and 23.3\% specific in the 3-samples group. This study found that hemoglobin correlates better with the diagnosis of anemia than hematocrit.

What are the signs of high hematocrit?

General feelings of weakness and feeling dizzy

Headaches

An enlarged spleen that causes bloating in your upper left abdomen

Itching all over your body after a warm shower or bath

Bleeding from your gums

Gouty arthritis

Unexplained weight loss

Excessive sweating

How do you treat low hematocrit?

If you’re anemic and your doctor has identified that you have low hematocrit levels, you’ll likely have to consume supplements to rapidly raise your levels. These may be pills, capsules or even intramuscular injections, depending on the nutrient. Your doctor will help you identify which supplement is best for you.

What are the effects of elevated hematocrit levels?

Elevated levels of hemoglobin or hematocrit can cause you to feel faint, impair your vision, and leave you with other problems like an enlarged spleen. Knowing the causes can help you find the right treatment and fix the problem as soon as possible.

How to lower your hematocrit levels?

If you are a smoker,the first step to lower your hematocrit levels is to stop smoking.

Do physical activity on a moderate and gradual basis. Whenever you’re doing any sports activity do not reach a state of exhaustion.

Donating blood is one of the measures to lower the hematocrit levels.

Maintain adequate hydration.