The gas exchange function is carried out due to the presence of red blood cells containing hemoglobin. It is a complex protein composed of ionized iron (heme) and four globular proteins (globin). It is in this combination that Hb is able to bind with oxygen in the lungs and transport it to tissues. In the opposite direction, hydrogen protons are attached, which is important in maintaining the pH (acidity) of the blood and a small amount of carbon dioxide (about 5%). Most of CO2 (about 95%) is transported by dissolution and chemical transformation in plasma.
This study is of great value for the diagnosis of various pathological conditions. The norm for men is 130-160g / l, for women - 120-140g / l. More often, there is a decrease in the indicator, which can be a manifestation of:
Deficiency of the main components - iron, vitamin B12, folic acid. The disadvantage arises due to their limited intake with food, the pathology of absorption of nutrients in the intestine, the great needs of the body during pregnancy, during periods of active growth and with constant physical exertion;
Acute or chronic blood loss;
Postponed surgical intervention;
The recovery period after severe infections;
Taking antibacterial drugs, chemotherapy;
Pathology of the red bone marrow and liver;
Erythropathy with a change in shape, a decrease in elasticity and, as a consequence, an increased disintegration of these cells (hemolysis) with the destruction of the hemoglobin protein contained in them.
Low HGB is manifested by pallor of the skin (jaundice in hemolytic anemia), weakness, disruption of the heart and other internal organs, especially the central nervous system, which is most sensitive to hypoxia.
An increase in concentration is a consequence of:
Dehydration;
Hypoxia (with cardiovascular, pulmonary diseases, living in highlands, smoking);
Work in conditions with a reduced oxygen content (mines, foundries, rooms with poor ventilation, with an increased level of carbon monoxide);
Tumors of the kidneys and red bone marrow with damage to the germs of erythrocyte hematopoiesis;
Increased secretion of androgens and corticosteroids.
There are no specific symptoms of hyperhemoglobinemia, however, there may be hyperemia of the skin, an increase in blood pressure, heaviness in the left hypochondrium in the region of the spleen and a tendency to thrombus formation.
For timely diagnosis, a general analysis must be performed at the first symptoms, as well as for preventive purposes at least once a year.
