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Hb Medical Abbreviation

Author: Analgesia logo

Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by Analgesia team

What Level of Hemoglobin is Dangerously High

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 above 20 grams per deciliter (g/dL) can be dangerous and lead to blood clots. 

Explanation
  • Hemoglobin levels above 20 g/dL can lead to blood clots. 
  • A high hemoglobin count is also known as polycythemia. 
  • Causes of high hemoglobin include smoking, testosterone supplementation, lung problems, kidney problems, and blood cancers. 
  • Hemoglobin levels that are too low can lead to heart failure and death. 
Hemoglobin levels by age and sex
    • A high hemoglobin count for an adult male is usually above 16.5 g/dL.
    • A high hemoglobin count for an adult female is usually above 16 g/dL.
    • A high hemoglobin count for a child varies with age and sex.
    • A high hemoglobin count for an infant is usually above 18 g/dL
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 leukaemia
    • Chemotherapy
    • Blood loss from surgery, trauma, or an ulcer
    • Autoimmune disorders, including lupus and certain thyroid conditions
Symptoms of low haemoglobin levels, also known as anaemia, 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 haemoglobin beta gene (HBB) causes the production of abnormal haemoglobin, called haemoglobin S (HbS). This abnormal haemoglobin 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 
  • Anaemia: 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.

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