Understand your values of Hematocrit (%)

What is Hematocrit (%) and Its Measure Units?

The term Hematocrit, often abbreviated as Hct, refers to the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in your bloodstream. It is an important part of a complete blood count (CBC) and provides insight into the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. This measurement is crucial because it can indicate variations in red blood cell concentration, affecting overall health. Hematocrit levels are typically reported as a percentage (%), reflecting the portion of blood that consists of RBCs compared to the total blood volume.

Which Is the Function of Hematocrit in Our Bodies?

Hematocrit is a vital measure of your body's ability to carry oxygen. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body and returning carbon dioxide back to be exhaled. Adequate levels of hematocrit are essential for maintaining this efficient transport system. Having too few red blood cells (or a low hematocrit) indicates that your body may not be getting enough oxygen, which can lead to fatigue and other symptoms. Conversely, a higher hematocrit suggests a higher concentration of RBCs, which could result in increased blood viscosity and pressure, affecting how easily your blood moves through your circulatory system.

What Happens if We Have Values Out of Normal?

If your hematocrit levels are lower than normal, it could indicate conditions such as anemia, acute blood loss, or nutritional deficiencies like iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency. Low hematocrit levels might manifest in symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. On the other hand, high hematocrit levels could be a sign of dehydration, polycythemia vera (a condition that causes your body to produce too many red blood cells), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Elevated hematocrit can increase your risk for strokes and heart attacks due to the thicker blood causing stress on the cardiovascular system. It’s crucial to further investigate these values with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying causes and take appropriate action.

Which Are the Optimum Values and What Should We Do to Improve Our Values of Hematocrit?

The optimum hematocrit levels can vary somewhat depending on age, sex, and the specific laboratory standards. Generally, for adults, a normal range is considered to be approximately 38.3% to 48.6% for men, and 35.5% to 44.9% for women. To maintain or obtain optimal hematocrit levels, it’s important to focus on a balanced diet rich in nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Consider increasing your intake of leafy greens, meat, fish, and fortified cereals to support healthy red blood cell production. Additionally, staying well-hydrated can help maintain normal blood viscosity. If you struggle with hematocrit levels that are too high, it’s advisable to moderate conditions that can influence blood production, such as quitting smoking and managing chronic lung conditions effectively. Always seek medical advice if you have concerns about your hematocrit levels to ensure a proper and personalized treatment plan.

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