When the hemoglobin count is higher than normal, it may be a sign of a health problem. Normal hemoglobin counts are 14 to 17 gm/dL (grams per deciliter) for men and 12 to 15 gm/dL for women.

Common symptoms of high Hgb levels include:

• itchiness.
• headache.
• dizziness.
• getting easily bruised or bleeding.
• sweating more than usual.
• painful joint swelling.
• abnormal weight loss.
• a yellow tint to the eyes and skin (jaundice)

A high hemoglobin count indicates an above-normal level of the iron-containing protein in red blood cells. Hemoglobin (often abbreviated as Hb or Hgb) is the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells.

But eating an overall healthy diet rich in dark, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, seafood, meat, beans, and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables can help you get the iron you need to manage anemia. Be sure to discuss supplements with your healthcare provider because it’s difficult to get enough iron from diet alone.

Hemoglobin level is decreased because aerobic exercise expands the baseline plasma volume; this reduces the concentration of red cells, which contain the hemoglobin.

Normal hemoglobin is 13.8–17.2 g/dL in men and 12.1–15.1 g/dL in women. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying molecule found inside red blood cells.

A high RBC count may be a result of sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, and other conditions that cause low oxygen levels in the blood. Performance-enhancing drugs like protein injections and anabolic steroids can also increase RBCs. Kidney disease and kidney cancers can lead to high RBC counts as well.

High RBC Count Treatment

1. Exercise to improve heart and lung function.
2. Eat less red meat and iron-rich foods.
3. Avoid iron supplements.
4. Keep yourself well hydrated.
5. Avoid diuretics, including coffee and caffeinated drinks.
6. Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.