Hematocrit refers to the percentage of red blood cells that are present in our body in relation to the amount of blood we have. When its values are too low or high, it can be due to various pathologies and health conditions that should be determined to treat properly, so when the result of our blood test is not satisfactory in this regard, it is essential. consult a hematologist. While a professional gives you a diagnosis, at OneHowTo.com we explain some of the most common causes for you have a low hematocrit.
Normal levels
Before determining the causes for your low hematocrit, it is important to know what are their normal values. These amounts may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory, so it is important to pay attention to the normal level reference that is always found in blood tests. Taking this aspect into account, the usual values are usually:
- Women: 36.1% to 44.3%
- Men: 40.7% to 50.3%
Anemia
Anemia It occurs when the amount of red blood cells in our body is reduced due to different causes such as lack of iron, vitamin B12, bone marrow deficiencies, among others. This condition also affects the hematocrit level in our body, reducing it. Finding the causes of anemia and treating it in a timely manner will be essential to ensure the well-being and health of the patient.
Nutrient deficiency
Related to what was explained in the previous step, when a person has malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies from elements such as iron, vitamin B12, B6 or phosphate, hematocrit levels decrease and the health of our body weakens.
Addressing these nutritional deficiencies and establishing an adequate diet is essential to guarantee the recovery of our body.
Bleeding or excessive bleeding
A bleeding or excessive bleeding Due to an accident, injury or trauma it can also cause a rapid decrease in white blood cells, which is the reason why the hematocrit is low. This result is usually easily reversible with blood transfusions or patient recovery.
Excess hydration
The water amount that our body needs varies according to the climate in which we find ourselves and the physical activity we perform. On average it is recommended to eat about 2 liters a day, but this amount may be higher when there are very high temperatures and excessive sweating.
However, an excess of fluid can cause the hematocrit to fall in the same way that dehydration causes these values to increase. Only a specialist will be able to determine if this is the reason for the elevated results.
Destruction of red blood cells
Various health conditions can produce the destruction of red blood cells, that it is not a disease in itself but a symptom of another pathology. Review and diagnosis by a hematologist will be essential to determine what causes the destruction of erythrocytes and address the problem.
Leukemia
Cancer in the white blood cells, known as leukemia, it can also affect the percentage of red blood cells by causing the hematocrit to be low. Determining the presence of this condition requires extensive studies that will be carried out only when there are indicators that allow suspicion of this condition.
Because a low hematocrit can be due to a variety of causes, a medical check it is essential to determine the reason for the decrease in these values.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.