“What are the side effects of high hemoglobin?”

Polycythemia refers to an increased hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (>16.5 g/dL in men or >16.0 g/dL in women) and/or hematocrit (Hct; >49 percent in men or >48 percent in women) in peripheral blood. Red blood cell (RBC) parameters vary with age, and normal values for adults (table 1) and children (table 2) are presented in the accompanying tables. Initially a complete blood count has to be done along with complete metabolic function and other labs.