Hematocrit or HCT is a blood test that measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. It performs a complete blood count test by measuring the number of erythrocytes (red blood cells, red blood cells) in the blood and determines the percentage of volume. People with too few or too many red blood cells may have a number of diseases and symptoms of these diseases. The value that a healthy individual should have is between 35 and 45 percent.
Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, transport and deliver oxygen to tissues and organs in the body. They control the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle in the body. Therefore, its value in the blood is very important. In addition, the test results are useful for doctors to diagnose any disease.
What Should HCT (Hematocrit) Value Ranges Be?
HCT value ranges vary from person to person and also vary depending on age and gender.
The level that should be in men and is considered normal is usually between 40 and 50 percent. In women, this value is usually between 36 and 45 percent.
The value ranges in infants are 32-42 percent, and 45-60 percent in newborns are reported as normal.
How is HCT (Hematocrit) Measured?
Hematocrit measurement is performed with blood count measurement devices in today's technology. First, a blood sample is taken from the individual. It can be taken from the fingertip or arm of the individual by healthcare professionals.
While the complete blood count evaluation is performed to determine the HCT value, there are many different parameters that are also checked.
These include the value and subtypes of leukocytes, i.e. white blood cells, and the number and average size of platelets, i.e. clotting cells.
What are the Conditions When the Hematocrit Value Changes?
There are conditions that cause differentiation in the HCT value and increase or decrease in these values.
Among the reasons that increase this value; living in places with high altitude, smoking, consuming less fluid, having diseases such as sleep apnea, COPD, bone marrow and heart disease.
Reducing causes include anemia, pregnancy, excessive fluid consumption, kidney diseases (usually chronic), thyroid and bone marrow diseases.
What causes low HCT (hematocrit)?
The most well-known cause of low hematocrit is anemia, that is, anemia in the person.
It is related to the insufficiency of blood cells, which is especially common in women with menstrual cycles and occurs in connection with iron deficiency.
In this case, there is a balance problem between production and destruction. Iron deficiency, which should be present in large proportions in red blood cells, causes low levels as a result.
If the person does not consume foods that will increase the iron level or if there is a related discomfort in the intestines, red blood cells cannot occur at the required rate and HCT is low.
What are the Symptoms of Low HCT (Hematocrit)?
In cases where low HCT is not recognized, different disorders and diseases can be triggered. People need to have a blood test to recognize this situation.
In cases where low HCT levels occur, different symptoms and complaints may occur in people's bodies. The most common of these is prolonged weakness and fatigue.
In addition, common and common symptoms of low hematocrit are as follows:
- Long-term fatigue and weakness
- Chest pain and palpitations
- Blood pressure drop
- Inability to exercise and getting tired very quickly
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- Pale appearance of the skin
- Cold hands and feet
- Headaches and dizziness
- Hair loss
- Differences in heart rhythm
In case of any of these symptoms, it is important for the person to see a doctor. A blood test should be done by going to the doctor and the doctor's recommendations should be acted upon.
What Causes High HCT (Hematocrit)?
Causes of high hematocrit may occur due to many conditions. Some factors such as smoking and testosterone use can also cause this condition. Too much increase in red blood cells causes the HCT value to increase.
In the body of people who live in high altitude areas for a long time, red blood cell production increases due to the decrease in oxygen volume in the region and this can cause high HCT.
In addition, COPD patients and smokers may also experience an excessive increase in red blood cells and this condition may occur.
Elevation, which can also be seen due to pathological causes, can also cause an important disease to occur. It can also trigger some diseases, and although it is rare, bone marrow patients can also be affected by this condition.
What are the Symptoms of High HCT (Hematocrit)?
While the symptoms may vary from person to person, they may also vary according to the complaints of different diseases. In addition, if symptoms persist for a long time and treatment is delayed, it can cause serious problems.
This condition, which can lead to blood clotting, can cause heart attack and stroke risk in people. Symptoms of high hematocrit can be listed as follows:
- Redness of the hands and face
- Headache
- Itching and tinnitus after showering
- Vision problems and blurred vision
- Joint and muscle pain
- Sleep problems
- Pain in the chest
Since prolonged experience of these complaints may cause the individual to experience different disorders and serious disease conditions, it is recommended to go to the nearest health institutions without wasting time.
Which Diseases Cause HCT (Hematocrit) Elevation?
Diseases that cause high HCT levels may include cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases, disease conditions such as scarring or thickening in the lungs.
It can also cause conditions such as polycythemia vera. Polycythemia vera causes HCT levels to increase when too many red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.