Introduction
Hemoglobin is a heme-rich protein that carries oxygenated and deoxygenated blood through the blood vessels. It forms the major component of the RBCs (red blood cells). It has a crucial role to play in health and disease. In case of low hemoglobin levels, the person encounters anemia, and high hemoglobin levels indicate some serious health diseases. So, it is very important to keep a check on hemoglobin levels and learn about this very important molecule present in the body. This article will focus on the effect of hemoglobin levels on people and how they may affect their daily activities.
What Is Hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a heme-rich protein present in the RBCs of all humans and animals (vertebrates). Hemoglobin is mainly responsible for transporting oxygen through the blood to all tissues of the body. It forms an unstable, reversible bond with oxygen. When combined with oxygen, it is called oxyhemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is synthesized in the bone marrow cells, which are then transformed into red blood cells (erythrocytes). Upon the death of these red blood cells, the hemoglobin is released and transported from that place to the bone marrow by transferrins (proteins). The cycle continues as they are used again in the development of red blood cells.
The remaining part of hemoglobin is involved in the formation of bilirubin, which is excreted into the bile.
The iron binds the oxygen as the blood travels from the lungs to the tissues. There are four atoms of iron in each molecule of hemoglobin.
What Is the Role of Hemoglobin in Health?
Hemoglobin is the most crucial component of red blood cells. It delivers oxygen to all tissues of the body. The hemoglobin which is present in the muscle cells is called myoglobin.
The body is composed of a billion cells, and they need oxygen to repair themselves. The hemoglobin is mainly responsible for imparting color to these red blood cells.
Hemoglobin also helps these red blood cells obtain the typical disc-like shape that enables them to move freely through the blood vessels.
The other important physiological roles of hemoglobin include:
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It acts as a molecular heat transducer.
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It acts as a modulator of red blood cell metabolism.
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Hemoglobin oxidation is the onset of red blood cell wear and tear.
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It plays a role in an inherited resistance to malaria.
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The various enzymatic activities of hemoglobin and its several drug interactions.
Hemoglobin Test - The hemoglobin test that measures the number of red blood cells and assesses hemoglobin in the body. It is measured in grams per liter. Low hemoglobin suggests a low level of oxygen in the body, which can result in anemia.
Normal hemoglobin levels include:
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Males - 13.4 to 17.2 grams per deciliter.
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Females - 12.2 to 15.4 grams per deciliter.
What Is the Role of Hemoglobin in Disease?
High Hemoglobin Levels -
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Polycythemia - It is a rare and serious genetic disorder where the hemoglobin levels are high. In this condition, there are too many red blood cells that make the blood thicker than usual. The major complications of polycythemia include blood clots, heart blockage, and brain stroke. It can be fatal if left untreated. Living at a higher altitude, smoking, and dehydration are other risk factors that can increase the risk of polycythemia.
Low Hemoglobin Levels - Low hemoglobin levels indicate anemia. There are various kinds of anemia.
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Iron Deficiency Anemia - It is the most common type of anemia that occurs when the body does not produce enough hemoglobin due to a lack of iron in the body. Blood loss or inadequate iron absorption can cause this type of anemia.
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Pregnancy Associated Anemia - It is also a form of iron-deficiency anemia that occurs during pregnancy. It develops when the body's requirement for iron is high during childbirth or pregnancy.
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Vitamin-deficiency Anemia - Low levels of vitamin B12 or folic acid in a person’s diet may sometimes cause vitamin deficiency anemia. The lack of these nutrients leads to distorted shape of the red blood cells, thereby causing anemia in the body.
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Hemolytic Anemia - Hemolytic anemia occurs when the erythrocytes break down in the bloodstream and spleen. It can have a genetic cause.
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Aplastic Anemia - In this type of anemia, the red blood cells are formed less because the immune system attacks the blood-forming stem cells in the bone marrow.
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Sickle Cell Anemia - Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder where the hemoglobin protein is aberrant. Due to aberrant hemoglobin, the RBCs become rigid, sticky, and sickle shaped. This abnormal shape prevents the red blood cells from flowing through the blood vessels.
Hemoglobin Disorders - They are also called hemoglobinopathies. They are rare blood conditions that majorly affect the hemoglobin protein. This further affects the shape and number of erythrocytes.
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Cooley’s Anemia - It is also known as homozygous beta-thalassemia major. It is an inherited disorder that affects the patient’s ability to produce beta protein. This then leads to anemia. It is a serious type of anemia that can be life-threatening.
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Hemoglobin C Disease - It is also a genetic disease that causes mild anemia symptoms. This develops due to infection present in the body.
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Hemoglobin E Disease - It is a minor blood disorder wherein patients do not exhibit many symptoms. Only slight variations are observed in the size and appearance of the red blood cells.
What Are the Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin?
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Fatigue and tiredness.
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Weakness.
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Breathlessness.
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Lightheadedness.
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Dizziness.
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Chest pain.
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Irregular heartbeat.
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Cold feet.
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Cold hands.
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Pale skin.
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Severe headache.
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Fever.
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Body ache and malaise.
How to Prevent Hemoglobin Disorders?
Though many types of anemia are difficult to prevent, a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet can improve the overall condition of an anemic patient. Eating foods rich in iron, like fruits, green leafy vegetables, beef, nuts, and dry fruits, can help prevent iron deficiency anemia. Dairy products and meat are excellent sources of vitamin B12. Taking iron and vitamin supplements can prevent anemia from developing. Also, smoking cessation and limiting alcohol intake can prevent the worsening of the condition. Drinking plenty of water helps avoid high levels of hemoglobin.
Conclusion
Hemoglobin is a pivotal component of the blood that transports oxygenated blood to all cells of the body, thereby helping maintain the body's metabolism and regulatory functions. Both high and low levels of hemoglobin can cause some serious health disorders. Maintaining a good diet and healthy lifestyle can prevent anemia from worsening. Maintaining normal hemoglobin levels is crucial for a healthy body.
