From the Guidelines
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs, with normal levels ranging from 12-15 g/dL for women and 13.5-17.5 g/dL for men, as indicated by studies such as 1.
Definition and Function
Hemoglobin consists of four protein subunits, each containing an iron-containing heme group that can bind to one oxygen molecule, giving blood its red color and enabling oxygen transport. It makes up about one-third of a red blood cell's content and allows the blood to transport approximately 98% of the body's oxygen.
Factors Affecting Hemoglobin Levels
Several factors can influence hemoglobin levels, including:
- Altitude: Hemoglobin concentration increases by about 0.6 g/dL in women and 0.9 g/dL in men for each 1,000 m of altitude above sea level, as noted in 1.
- Age: Hemoglobin levels can vary by age, with different ranges for different age groups, as shown in the study 1.
- Race and ethnicity: Hemoglobin levels can also differ among various racial and ethnic groups, as demonstrated in 1.
- Smoking: Smoking can affect hemoglobin levels, and its impact should be considered in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as mentioned in 1.
Clinical Significance
Low hemoglobin levels can indicate anemia, which may cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Abnormal hemoglobin structure can lead to conditions like sickle cell disease or thalassemia. Awareness of hemoglobin levels and their interpretation is crucial for clinicians to identify and manage anemia and related disorders effectively, as emphasized in 1.
From the Research
Definition of Hemoglobin
- Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It is an essential component of red blood cells, and its concentration is used to diagnose and monitor anemia 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Role of Hemoglobin in Anemia
- Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Hemoglobin concentration is used to determine the severity of anemia and guide treatment decisions, including red blood cell transfusion 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.