What are the implications of an elevated HCT (hematocrit) or packed cell volume?

HCT hematocrit elevation generally leads to increased blood viscosity, greater resistance to blood circulation, insufficient oxygen supply to organs, increased risk of thrombosis, and increased cardiovascular burden. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Increased blood viscosity: An elevated proportion of red blood cells in the blood increases friction during blood flow, raises viscosity, slows blood flow velocity, and affects the efficiency of normal blood circulation.

2. Increased resistance to blood circulation: Due to increased blood viscosity, the resistance encountered by blood flowing through blood vessels also increases. The heart must contract harder to propel blood flow, which may affect cardiac pumping function over time.

3. Insufficient oxygen supply to organs: Although red blood cells are responsible for oxygen transport, elevated hematocrit causes sluggish blood flow, preventing oxygen from being rapidly delivered to various organs. This may lead to tissue cell hypoxia and symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue.

4. Increased risk of thrombosis: Thick and slow-moving blood makes red blood cells prone to aggregation and formation of clumps, increasing the likelihood of thrombus formation. If a thrombus blocks an important blood vessel, it may trigger serious problems such as cerebral infarction or myocardial infarction.

5. Increased cardiovascular burden: To counteract increased resistance in blood circulation, the cardiovascular system remains in a state of high load over time, potentially inducing diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease. This effect is particularly pronounced in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Upon discovering elevated HCT hematocrit levels, it is important to promptly investigate potential causes, such as dehydration or polycythemia. Daily management should include increased water intake to promote blood dilution, reduced consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods, regular moderate exercise, and routine follow-up complete blood count tests to monitor changes in related indicators.