The function of hemoglobin and its normal levels in the body

What is hemoglobin (Hb)?

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that gives blood its red color and is responsible for transporting oxygen. The structure consists of four chains. Each chain contains a compound called heme, which contains iron.

Hemoglobin also plays a role in the formation of red blood cells according to their ideal shape, which is round and flat in the middle. The goal is to make it easier for blood cells to move in the blood vessels.

Not only transporting oxygen, Hb also transports carbon dioxide from body tissues back to the lungs to then exchange with oxygen.

What is the normal level of hemoglobin in the blood?

The amount of Hb can be determined by doing a blood test. Hemoglobin test is often used as a test to diagnose anemia. Usually, this examination is done in conjunction with a hematocrit as part of a complete blood count.

The normal range of Hb varies depending on age and sex. However, normal hemoglobin levels are generally:

Men: 14-18 grams / dL
Women: 12-16 grams / dL
Newborn: 14-24 grams / dL
Toddlers: 9,5-13 grams / dL

The results above will also depend on the laboratory where you perform the examination. Some labs may use different measurements or test different samples.

Some of the problems that occur due to Hb are not normal

Just like cholesterol and blood pressure, hemoglobin levels can also be lower or higher than normal limits. In fact, the structure can be abnormal.

Quoted from the US National Library of Medicine, abnormal hemoglobin levels do not always indicate a medical problem that requires treatment. A woman's diet, activity, medications, menstrual cycle, and other conditions can also affect the results of the Hb test.

Low hemoglobin level

Low hemoglobin levels make a person anemic. When diagnosed with anemia, there are several side effects that may occur, such as fatigue or pale skin. This occurs because the lack of hemoglobin makes red blood cells unable to meet the body's needs.

Some types of anemia are mild, while other types can be serious, even life-threatening.

If you experience symptoms of anemia, be sure to see a doctor immediately to get the right anemia treatment. If left untreated, anemia can lead to complications.

Several causes of low Hb levels include:

Blood loss due to surgery, heavy menstruation, accidents, and other conditions that cause bleeding.
Lack of blood production due to cells in the bone marrow that fail to produce.
Damage to red blood cells and inadequate intake of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12, and kidney disease

High hemoglobin levels

High Hb levels cause oxygen supply to the body to exceed the limit. High Hb levels can be caused by a variety of things, including lifestyle or side effects from medications.

In addition, several conditions that cause high hemoglobin levels are:

Lung diseases, such as COPD and pulmonary fibrosis
Congenital heart disease
Right-sided heart failure
Dehydration, smoking, or being in high altitudes
Polycythemia vera (bone marrow produces too many red blood cells)

However, there are times when a high Hb test result is not serious. Sometimes, people who live in the highlands have higher amounts of hemoglobin.

Structural abnormalities

In addition to low levels, the Hb structure can also be abnormal. Some of the conditions that cause this include:

Sickle cell anemia, which causes the blood cells to be sickle-shaped instead of round, flat As a result, blood cells can get stuck in blood vessels.
Thalassemia causes blood disorders due to disruption of the globin ring in hemoglobin so that it cannot transport oxygen properly.

Hb examination in the blood is often done together with a complete blood count. Usually, the doctor will determine what components will be examined according to the complaint you convey.