One of the most common clinical tests is the CBC. And this is not accidental, because blood - one of the components of the internal environment of our body - is very sensitive to the slightest changes in it. A blood test will give an answer to the presence of inflammatory processes by the number of leukocytes, to the ability of the blood to carry oxygen by the number of red blood cells. Everyone knows this, but there is another very important indicator of the state of the blood - hematocrit. Reduced or increased, it signals a variety of possible processes in the body. This indicator is especially important in children and adolescents. The article will talk about low hematocrit - what it means, what measures to take and how to prevent.
What is this indicator
Hematocrit (Ht) is the numerical value of blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets) in relation to the volume of blood plasma (that is, itsviscosity). This value is expressed as a percentage, determined by hct in the complete blood count, and by and large shows the percentage of red blood cells in the plasma. After all, up to 99% of blood cells per unit volume are red blood cells - erythrocytes. In 1 milliliter of blood, erythrocytes contain about 5 million, and leukocytes - up to 88 thousand and platelets - up to 400 thousand.
How it is measured
There are several ways to get blood hematocrit data:
- With the help of a special device. These are two short calibrated capillaries that are filled with blood and coagulant. Then they are subjected to centrifugation, as a result of which the formed elements of the blood settle. This is the most common method for determining elevated or decreased hematocrit, and the result is determined visually.
- With the help of a conductometer - the device measures the conductive properties of blood. Erythrocytes are inherent in electrical stability, and the lower the conductor index, the more formed elements in the blood.
- With the help of a nomogram - a scale marked with hematocrit and hemoglobin.
Relative norms
Increased or decreased hematocrit is determined relative to the norm. These indicators have been established experimentally, but it is worth remembering that each person is individual, and only an experienced hematologist can decipher the tests. In addition, it is necessary to consider these indicators in dynamics, and only then candraw certain conclusions about the state of the body.
Normal for adults are the following hematocrit indicators:
- For women under 45 - 36-44%, older - 36-46%.
- For men under 45 - 40-45%, older - 40-50%.
The human body reaches such indicators by the age of 17. And for children, they are a little different and we will talk about them further.
Baby hematocrit
The indicator of erythrocytes in the blood is especially important during the formation of the human body. After all, if a baby is born with a low hematocrit, then this means that in the womb he experienced hypoxia (oxygen starvation). And it is during the period of growth and formation of tissues and organs that this problem can cause irreversible consequences.
To determine the low hematocrit in a child, you need to know the norms of this indicator. For children they are:
- In the first blood test from the umbilical cord in newborns - 34-64%.
- In children of the first year of life - 34-43%.
- In children under 5 years old - 33-40%.
- In children from 6 to 12 years old - 34-43%.
- Adolescents under 17: for boys, the norm is 35-45%, for girls - 34-44%. These differences are minor and are associated with the onset of menstruation in girls.
Symptoms of pathology
Decreased hematocrit in adults and children is manifested, in addition to general malaise, in the following:
- Fatigue and loss of energy.
- Feeling short of breathshortness of breath.
- High heart rate.
- Symptomatic headaches.
- General pallor of the skin.
- Hair loss.
Children are more likely than adults to be unable to clearly articulate the symptoms of malaise, which is why they need to conduct blood tests more often. But adults are also recommended to periodically donate blood for a general analysis in order to detect a decrease in hematocrit in time.
What does it mean for a woman if she is not pregnant, for men and children?
Deviations from the norm
Detection of hematocrit indicates the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen and provide intracellular respiration in all organs and tissues of the body.
Not always deviations from the norm are associated with diseases. So, in tourists and residents of high-mountainous areas, the hematocrit is increased due to the replenishment of the lack of oxygen by an increase in red blood cells. Heavy smokers have the same figures.
Temporary increase in hematocrit may be associated with intoxication and poisoning. Increased dehydration leads to a decrease in the amount of plasma and an increase in hematocrit. Burns and prolonged exposure to dry and hot climates lead to the same consequences. This thickens the blood, increasing the risk of blood clots.
When the hematocrit is low
Reduced hematocrit in the blood indicates a lack of red blood cells and oxygen starvation. These abnormalities are caused by a lack of iron inbody and iron deficiency anemia.
But a decrease in hematocrit can be observed in other cases:
- With large blood loss.
- When the amount of blood increases or when it is diluted. Kidney failure or viral infections can lead to overhydration.
- With accelerated death of red blood cells or their slow production.
- When starvation and malnutrition.
- For various diseases (pathologies of the heart and kidneys).
Decrease in hematocrit during pregnancy is not a pathology, which is associated with a general increase in the amount of blood in the expectant mother. But after giving birth, this indicator should return to normal.
The named condition requires careful analysis, since only in the early stages of its elimination can prevent serious consequences for the body.
Comprehensive assessment and false indicators
Only an experienced hematologist can qualitatively evaluate the results of a blood test. One indicator alone cannot serve as a reason for making a diagnosis.
So, low hematocrit in pregnant women is not a pathology. But if hemoglobin is lowered along with it, then we are already talking about anemia. And this is quite dangerous for both mother and child.
In adolescents, a decrease in hematocrit and total hemoglobin is often associated with a spasmodic spurt in growth and development. This condition is also not a pathology and over time the body adapts to the increase in iron in the blood.
Often, when blood is taken from a vein in a patient in a supine position, or the vein has been tightened with a tourniquet for a long time, the hematocrit is underestimated. But at the same time, they talk about false hematocrit, and the results need to be clarified.
How to treat
Decreased hematocrit, which is associated with the underlying disease, primarily includes therapy for the underlying pathology.
If the low level is associated with a lack of iron in the body, then iron-containing drugs and a special diet are prescribed, which includes:
- red meat;
- eggs;
- various nuts (sesame, almonds, walnuts and their oils);
- liver;
- fruit (the most iron in apples);
- olives and olive oil.
This is especially true for children, whose diet should be balanced and varied. If this indicator is low in a breastfed child, then the mother should reconsider her diet. And only when dietary changes fail, the doctor will prescribe medications.
Sometimes the hematocrit level decreases with the use of certain drugs (corticosteroids and blood thinners). In this case, they should be canceled or replaced.
Summarize
In any case, you should contact a specialist who will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the blood test and prescribe a treatment protocol. One has only to remember that a long oxygen starvation of the body, as evidenced by a low hematocrit, is very dangerous fororgans and tissues.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones, listen to your body, trust doctors and be he althy!
