What Causes Elevated Hemoglobin Levels?
Disease description:
My uncle has been feeling unwell lately. After visiting the hospital for tests, the doctor informed him that his hemoglobin level is elevated. What causes an elevated hemoglobin level?
Elevated hemoglobin levels can result from both physiological and pathological factors. Physiological causes include prolonged residence at high altitudes, emotional stress, or intense physical exercise—all of which may transiently increase hemoglobin concentration. Pathological causes include conditions such as congenital heart disease, malignancies (e.g., uterine fibroids or renal cell carcinoma), which may also lead to elevated hemoglobin levels.