Hematocrit is an indicator that determines the content of red blood cells( erythrocytes) in its total volume. It is measured in percent. It is determined by a general blood test. By the indicator of hematocrit, the ability of the blood to transfer oxygen to the tissues of the body is determined.
In adults, low hematocrit indicates that there is a risk of anemia. When the hematocrit is lower, extreme caution and attention to one's health is imperative - the reasons are ambiguous.
For the correct diagnosis, special tests are performed to determine the percentage of red blood cells to the plasma volume. They are able to give information to specialists for an accurate determination of the causes of a decreased hematocrit.
Norm
Before talking about reducing the level of hematocrit in the blood, you need to know the normative values of the indicator, based on the sex and age of the patient.
Hematocrit standards for:
- of a newborn child - 44-62%;
- child of the first year of life - 36-44%;
- children under the age of ten - 37-44%;
- of an adult male - 40-52%;
- of an adult woman - 30-46%.
- in most women, hematocrit in pregnancy is lowered - this is a normal consequence of an increase in the total volume of blood.
Since a low level of hematocrit indicates anemia, it is natural that the causes of anemia are factors that reduce this indicator. All the factors that contribute to the development of anemia will also be the causes of a decrease in hematocrit in the blood in adults.
What does reduced hematocrit indicate?
Deficiency of erythrocytes adversely affects the general condition of the body. With a low hematocrit index, the adult has general malaise, high fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, frequent palpitations, headaches, hair loss.
This is due to the fact that red blood cells supply nutrients and oxygen to each cell, taking away carbon dioxide. With a low hematocrit, the volume of erythrocytes per liter of blood becomes less than normal, so human cells experience oxygen starvation. At the same time, the acid-base balance and the mode of operation of each of the organs are disturbed.
Symptoms of
Symptoms of reduced hematocrit are:
- shortness of breath;
- a prolonged feeling of fatigue;
- hair loss;
- tachycardia;
- pale skin.
These signs are brightly expressed during pregnancy and acute anemia. However, in order to confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to take a blood test.
Reasons for decreased hematocrit
Why is an adult hematocrit downgraded, and what does it mean? As mentioned above, anemia can cause a low number of hematocrit. This disease occurs when there is a shortage of red blood cells. Therefore, any function or action to reduce the duration of life, can directly talk about the appearance of anemia.
In addition to anemia, decreased hematocrit arises:
- with very high blood loss;
- during pregnancy;
- may occur with prolonged stays in prone position.
- if erythrocytes are slowly formed;
- if blood volume is increased;
- in the process of fasting or unhealthy eating;
- in cases of rapid destruction of erythrocytes in the blood;
- if the blood is diluted.
Also lowering the hematocrit in the blood below the norm is observed with the following diseases:
- bone marrow cancer, malignant tumors, leading to a decreased production of red cells;
- kidney disease( stenosis of the renal artery, renal failure, polycystic kidney);
- chronic inflammatory processes;
- anemia, in which the number of red blood cells is reduced;
- vascular disease or liver disease.
All data that show a reduced hematocrit is a serious reason to conduct a full examination. But do not worry too soon. With the help of surveys it is possible to identify the cause of the disease, and what exactly can cause a decrease in hematocrit. When the level of hematocrit is normal, and it will show tests, only then you can be sure that everything is fine with you.
Hematocrit during pregnancy
In females during gestation, the hematocrit may be below normal. This is due to the fact that the volume of blood increases due to plasma. During this period, this indicator can be 33%, and this is considered normal.
What to do with reduced hematocrit
In adults, the main principle in treating low hematocrit is to eliminate the causes that caused their decrease below the norm. If the cause of low hematocrit is anemia, in many cases it is enough for the patient to change his diet to gradually increase the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood.
To do this, it is recommended to eat more foods rich in iron, such as chicken, dried fruits, beans, eggs, red meat, offal( especially liver), seafood, greens. In addition, you should increase your intake of vitamin C, as it improves the absorption of iron. In some cases, the doctor may recommend the intake of food supplements with iron to treat anemia.