Last Updated on December 10, 2024 by Analgesia team
Hb Medical Abbreviation
Hb is the medical abbreviation for hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood, which can indicate the health of your red blood cells. Abnormal hemoglobin levels may indicate a blood disorder.
A low hemoglobin count is generally defined as:
- Less than 13.2 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter (132 grams per liter) of blood for men
- Less than 11.6 grams per deciliter (116 grams per liter) for women
A high hemoglobin count indicates an above-normal level of hemoglobin in your blood.
Hemoglobin levels can be measured with a blood test, and abnormal levels can indicate a blood disorder. Low hemoglobin levels can be caused by a number of things, including:
-
- Not making enough red blood cells
- Losing red blood cells faster than the body can replace them
- Low dietary iron or impaired iron absorption
- Menstrual bleeding
- Cancer, especially leukemia
- Chemotherapy
- Blood loss from surgery, trauma, or an ulcer
- Autoimmune disorders, including lupus and certain thyroid conditions
Symptoms of low hemoglobin levels, also known as anemia, include:
- Chest pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Irregular heartbeat
- Paler-than-usual skin
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
In sickle cell disease, a mutation in the hemoglobin beta gene (HBB) causes the production of abnormal hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S (HbS). This abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, which can block blood flow and lead to serious complications:
- Pain crises: Sudden and severe episodes of pain that can last for several hours or days
- Anemia: A low red blood cell count that can cause fatigue
- Stroke: A serious complication that can occur in people with sickle cell disease.
- Acute chest syndrome: A condition that lowers the level of oxygen in the blood.
- Organ damage: Sickled cells can block blood flow to organs, causing damage.