About Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body and gives blood its red color. It is a complex metalloprotein containing iron, essential for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and facilitates the return transport of carbon dioxide from tissues back to the lungs.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
13.5 - 17.5 g/dL
Women's Optimal Range
12.0 - 15.5 g/dL
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate conditions such as polycythemia vera, dehydration, or lung disease, leading to cardiovascular risks.
Low
Low levels may be associated with anemia, which can cause fatigue and may indicate nutritional deficiencies or chronic disease.
Symptoms
High
Fatigue, headache, and flushed skin at times.
Low
Dizziness, weakness, cold hands and feet, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. Kato, G. J., Piel, F. B., Reid, C. D., Gaston, M. H., Ohene-Frempong, K., Krishnamurti, L., ... & Vichinsky, E. P. (2018). Sickle cell disease. *Nature Reviews Disease Primers*, 4(1), 18010.
- 2. Cappellini, M. D., Motta, I., & Taher, A. T. (2019). Iron overload in β-thalassemia: an overview and update. *Blood Reviews*, 34, 100595.
- 3. American Society of Hematology. (2020). Hemoglobinopathies: Current practices for screening, confirmation and follow-up. *ASH Clinical News*.
- 4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Hemoglobin: What is hemoglobin? *NHLBI Health Topics*.
- 5. Weatherall, D. J. (2020). The inherited diseases of hemoglobin are an emerging global health burden. *Blood*, 115(22), 4331-4336.