Why the hematocrit is lowered are the main reasons. What does it mean that hematocrit is reduced or below normal in the blood of an adult and what does the hematocrit indicator indicate? What does it mean?

Hematocrit is an indicator that determines the content of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in its total volume. Measured as a percentage. Determined by a general blood test. The hematocrit indicator determines the ability of blood to carry oxygen to the tissues of the body.

In adults, a low hematocrit indicates that there is a risk of anemia. When the hematocrit is low, extreme caution and attention to your health is required - the reasons are ambiguous.

To make a correct diagnosis, special tests are performed to determine the percentage of red blood cells to plasma volume. They are able to provide information to specialists to accurately determine the causes of low hematocrit.

Norm

Before talking about reducing the level of hematocrit in the blood, you need to know standard values indicator based on the gender and age of the patient.

Hematocrit norms for:

• newborn child – 44–62%;
• child of the first year of life – 36–44%;
• children under ten years of age – 37–44%;
• adult male – 40–52%;
• adult woman – 30–46%.
• Most women have a lower hematocrit during pregnancy - this is a normal consequence of an increase in total blood volume.

Since a low hematocrit level indicates anemia, it is natural that the causes of anemia are the factors that reduce this indicator. All factors that contribute to the development of anemia will also cause a decrease in hematocrit in the blood in adults.

What does a low hematocrit mean?

A lack of red blood cells negatively affects the general condition of the body. With a low hematocrit, an adult experiences general malaise, high fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, headaches, and hair loss.

This is due to the fact that red blood cells deliver nutrients and oxygen to each cell, while taking away carbon dioxide. With a low hematocrit, the volume of red blood cells per liter of blood becomes less than normal, so human cells experience oxygen starvation. At the same time, the acid-base balance and the functioning of each organ are disrupted.

Signs

Symptoms of a low hematocrit are:

• dyspnea;
• prolonged feeling of fatigue;
• pale skin.

These signs are clearly expressed during pregnancy and acute anemia. However, in order to confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to take a blood test.

Causes of low hematocrit

Why is the hematocrit low in adults, and what does this mean? As mentioned above, anemia can cause a low hematocrit number. This disease occurs when there is a lack of red blood cells. Therefore, any function or action to reduce life expectancy can directly.

In addition to anemia, low hematocrit occurs:

• with very severe blood loss;
• during pregnancy;
• may occur during prolonged periods of lying down.
• if red blood cells are formed slowly;
• if blood volume is increased;
• during fasting or unhealthy eating;
• in cases of rapid destruction of red blood cells in the blood;
• if the blood is thin.

Also, a decrease in hematocrit in the blood below normal is observed in the following diseases:

• oncological diseases of the bone marrow, malignant tumors leading to reduced production of red cells;
• kidney disease (renal artery stenosis, renal failure, polycystic kidney disease);
• chronic inflammatory processes;
• anemia, in which the number of red blood cells is reduced;
• vascular or liver diseases.

All data that shows a reduced hematocrit is a serious reason to conduct a full examination. But there is no need to worry ahead of time. With the help of examinations, it is possible to identify the cause of the disease, and what exactly can cause a decrease in hematocrit. When the hematocrit level is normal, and tests show this, only then can you be sure that everything is fine with you.

Hematocrit during pregnancy

In women during pregnancy, the hematocrit may be below normal. This is explained by the fact that blood volume increases due to plasma. During this period, this figure can be 33%, and this is considered normal.

What to do if you have a low hematocrit

In adults, the main principle in treatment is low level hematocrit is to eliminate the reasons that caused their decrease below normal. If the cause of a low hematocrit is anemia, in many cases it is enough for the patient to change his diet to gradually increase the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood.

To do this, it is recommended to eat more foods rich in iron, such as chicken, dried fruits, beans, eggs, red meat, organ meats (especially liver), seafood, and greens. In addition, you should increase your intake of vitamin C, as it improves iron absorption. In some cases, your doctor may recommend taking iron supplements to treat anemia.

Hematocrit number or hematocrit is a laboratory indicator that is determined as part of a general blood test. The value reflects the saturation of blood with formed elements, and accordingly, gives an idea of ​​viscosity and ability to perform the gas exchange function.

Doctors consider hematocrit along with other CBC values. Evaluating them in their entirety, one can suspect certain diseases, their danger to human life, and make a decision on urgent treatment measures (introduction of blood substitutes, transfusion, plasmapheresis).

What does hematocrit mean?

Human blood consists of plasma and formed elements. 98% of the liquid part is water, 2% are proteins and electrolytes. The blood cell mass includes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. To determine hematocrit, you need to correlate two values ​​- the total volume of blood and the volume of all cells. 99% of them are red cells (erythrocytes). Sometimes the indicator is calculated taking into account only their volume, and not all cells. There are no significant differences between the results.

Hematocrit reflects the percentage of total blood that is occupied by red blood cells. The indicator is important for:

• doctors making decisions on emergency treatment measures;
• monitoring therapy for anemia or polycythemia;
• assessing the patient’s general condition (risk of blood clots, hypoxia).

A general blood test, and therefore hematocrit, is checked in almost all patients in clinics, since this is the simplest and affordable way comprehensive assessment of the patient's health status. The doctor especially pays special attention to hematocrit if the patient:

• burns;
• varicose veins;
• atherosclerosis;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• damage to the liver (cirrhosis, steatohepatosis, etc.), kidneys, pancreas (pancreatitis, etc.);
• endocrine disorders;
• There are suspicions of pathologies of the blood and hematopoietic organs.

How to determine

In modern laboratories, the hematocrit number is calculated using automatic equipment (hemoanalyzer). The old method is considered to be a method based on centrifugation. A graduated tube (called a hematocrit) filled with blood is placed in a centrifuge. Under the influence of centrifugal force, the biomaterial is divided into 2 fractions - plasma and erythrocyte mass. Their ratio can be assessed even visually. By calibration, an accurate calculation of hematocrit is carried out.

Indicator norms for adults and children

In the OAC protocol, hematocrit can be designated by Latin letters (Ht, HCT). The value depends on the volume of the bloodstream and the intensity of the production of formed elements by the bone marrow. The hemoglobin level does not change it.

In men, the saturation of blood with formed elements is always higher than in women. This is due to stable hormonal levels, greater muscle mass. In women, the rate is lower due to regular blood loss during menstruation. During pregnancy, the value decreases, which is explained by an increase in the total blood volume in the body due to plasma (liquid component), fluid retention due to the activity of hormones.

Table - Physiological hematocrit values

The hematocrit of a child is often lower than that of an adult. This is the norm. The indicator is approximately 20% higher than generally accepted norms in newborns, which is associated with adaptive reactions to life in a new environment. Upon reaching the first year of life, the value gradually decreases and can be 10% lower than in adults. This is due to the active growth of the body. In adolescents, the values ​​are close to adults.

Table - Children's hematocrit norms

Hematocrit in pregnant women

The indicator rapidly decreases already in the first months of pregnancy, although the amount of plasma in the body increases by 10–16% only by the 12th week. In the future, as the child grows and develops, the volume of blood in the mother’s body also becomes larger. By the end of pregnancy, it can be 30–50% higher than before conception. Hematopoiesis does not always keep up with this process and the number of blood cells remains the same, causing the hematocrit to decrease.

In the 2nd trimester the jump is most noticeable. The percentage of corpuscles also drops in later stages. The doctor must monitor the hematocrit indicator, since anemia is common among pregnant women. The danger of the condition is that the baby’s body may not receive enough oxygen in the required amount. The tissues of the mother’s body can also suffer from hypoxia, which is fraught with exacerbation of chronic diseases and the development of cardiovascular problems.

A decrease in the hematocrit number to 31% or less is considered a dangerous phenomenon. In this case, the woman needs not only regular monitoring, but also taking vitamin supplements and iron-based medications.

Table - Hematocrit norms for pregnant women

What does a low hematocrit mean?

The main function of red blood cells is to transport gases. From the lungs to the cells they transport oxygen, and on the way back they remove carbon dioxide. In addition, red blood cells can transport some enzymes and amino acids. A reduced hematocrit always means a decrease in the concentration of blood cells. It happens due to:

• weak production of corpuscles by the bone marrow;
• their rapid destruction in the recycling system (spleen, liver, hemolytic processes);
• an increase in plasma volume (when the blood becomes more “diluted”).

An example of a physiological increase in blood volume can be considered during pregnancy. Pathological prerequisites for a decrease in hematocrit include overhydration and hyperproteinemia (increased amount of protein in the blood). The first condition means the accumulation of fluid, which is possible as a result of:

• water intoxication;
• disorders of renal excretory function;
• poor circulation;
• infectious diseases;
• intoxications.

Hyperproteinemia means an increase in the concentration of plasma proteins. They attract fluid and cause an increase in the volume of circulating blood. The cause of the changes may be lymphomas, hematological malignancies, myelodysplastic syndrome, severe diarrhea, and vomiting.

A decrease in hematocrit due to a decrease in the number of red blood cells is observed with kidney damage and a lack of the hormone erythropoietin (which is responsible for the synthesis of red blood cells). Examples include tumors and kidney cysts. The reason for the slowdown in erythropoiesis can be malignant bone marrow lesions.

• 110‒89/3.9‒3 - initial form;
• 89‒50/3‒2.5 - moderate condition;
• less than 40/less than 1.5 - severe anemia.

The reasons for a decrease in hematocrit may be intravenous administration of blood substitutes, intoxication, hemolysis (for example, with hemolytic anemia), and significant blood loss.

Causes in children

The reasons for the decrease in blood saturation with corpuscles are almost the same for adults and small patients. Low hematocrit can be observed in children of the first year of life with hyperprolactinemia - an increase in one of the pituitary hormones (prolactin) in the blood. It develops when breastfeeding is not possible and the baby is given goat's or cow's milk as food.

Common reasons also include an unbalanced diet, when the baby eats the same foods and there is a deficiency of vitamins and elements important for hematopoiesis (B12, B9, iron, etc.). Among children preschool age and teenagers are common helminthic infestations which also lead to anemia.

What to do with a “bad” analysis

If, when reviewing the results of the CBC, it turns out that the hematocrit is reduced, you should consult a doctor. A specialist will only roughly indicate the reasons using this test. For example, an abnormal platelet count may indicate recent bleeding.

Neutrophils, monocytes and hematocrit change in some infectious diseases (as confirmed by an increased ESR). A decrease in lymphocytes, basophils and hematocrit accompanies blood pathologies. However, you should not make a diagnosis yourself; in order to accurately identify the provocateur, additional measures will be required:

• general analysis of urine, feces;
• liver tests;
• Ultrasound of internal organs.

Blood biochemistry will help the doctor find out the causes of anemia and prescribe the correct treatment. You cannot take vitamin supplements on your own. Sometimes, with a reduced hematocrit, the iron level can be increased, and cyanocobalamin is in deficiency. In this case, there is no point in taking iron in the form of supplements or medications.

How to treat yourself

Self-medication is permissible only in one case - when the hematocrit is reduced insignificantly (up to 5%), and the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin is within normal limits, closer to the lower limit. Then the patient can on our own(with the help of nutrition, lifestyle) normalize the results of the analysis. The recommendations are also relevant for those who take medications to improve the synthesis of red blood cells as prescribed by a doctor. Diet correction is a mandatory measure of complex therapy.

The menu must be enriched with vitamin products. These include vegetables and fruits (seasonal), berries. Fresh vegetables have the maximum benefits. It is acceptable to grill or stew them. Doctors recommend paying attention to brightly colored plant foods:

• pumpkin, carrots, apricots, peaches, sea buckthorn;
• tomatoes, beets, cherries, currants, strawberries, viburnum, cranberries;
• eggplant, broccoli;
• all types of leafy greens.

As sources of iron and B vitamins, it is necessary to consume red meat (beef, veal), liver, and all types of fish. You should include legumes (chickpeas, beans, lentils, beans), nuts and seeds (raw), and eggs in your diet. Cold-pressed vegetable fats, as well as whole grain porridges (brown rice, millet, buckwheat, oats), will be useful.

FAQ

Question: Can a decreased hematocrit cause any symptoms?

Answer: Clinical manifestations do not necessarily accompany changes in blood counts. Moreover, these are only laboratory terms and meanings, which themselves are manifestations of the underlying disease. In most cases, the decrease in hematocrit is caused by anemia. Its signs are weakness, fatigue, pallor of the skin and mucous membranes. In severe cases, patients experience rapid heartbeat and breathing, and shortness of breath.

Question: How often do you need to take a blood test in order to notice the development of the disease in time?

Answer: For preventive purposes, the OAC should be taken once a year. If a person has cardiovascular diseases, pathologies of the liver, kidneys, as well as bad habits, it is better to undergo examination once every six months.

Question: Can periods affect Ht? When is the best time for women to get tested?

Answer: Menstruation is a small, but still bleeding, and therefore it can reduce the concentration of blood elements and hematocrit. Significant deviations in the analysis result can be seen by women who suffer from heavy and painful menstruation. To prevent false deviations, it is better to do a blood test 3-5 days after the end of your period.

Question: I am pregnant, I take multivitamins and iron supplements as recommended by the doctor, but the hematocrit does not return to normal, why?

Answer: The goal of treatment is to maintain the indicator within acceptable limits. For pregnant women they are slightly lower than for all other people. A significant downward change in hematocrit is possible due to severe toxicosis, multiple pregnancy, if the expectant mother is very young or chronically malnourished. In this case, even medications cannot correct the situation. Girls whose anemia is detected before conception may experience aggravation of the situation if they do not take medications throughout the entire period of bearing a child.

Question: Why is anemia in a pregnant woman dangerous for the child?

Answer: Anemia primarily harms the fetus, since it grows and develops quickly and in order for all processes to occur correctly, a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients in sufficient quantity. Babies whose mothers suffered from anemia during pregnancy are more likely to be born prematurely and with low birth weight. There is a risk of slowing intrauterine development, disrupting the formation of the nervous, cardiovascular and digestive systems.

conclusions

Hematocrit reflects the concentration of formed elements in the blood. A decrease in the indicator primarily indicates a low number of red blood cells. Anemia can develop against the background of many pathologies, but it always creates a risk of oxygen starvation of tissues, which is fraught with adverse consequences. A low hematocrit needs to be normalized through nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, or medications.

A high hematocrit is an indicator of blood thickening, which sharply increases the risk of thrombosis. This is often diagnosed with heart failure, diabetes, and dehydration. For more information on how to notice deviations and normalize the indicator, read the article:.

Hematocrit, or hematocrit number, is an indicator of the level of blood cells in relation to the total amount of blood. This value is denoted by Ht and is measured in percentages or liters. Hematocrit is measured using a special glass flask with divisions.

Norms

On average, in an adult, the norm of hematocrit in the blood is from 40 to 45% or 450 ml per 1 liter of blood. These indicators may vary depending on the person's age.

The normal hematocritic number for men is:

• - aged 18 to 45 years - from 39 to 49%;
• - after 45 years - from 40 to 50%.

Norm for women:

• — aged 18 to 45 – from 35 to 45%;
• - after 45 years - from 35 to 47%.

Normal hematocritic number for children:

• — newborns – from 33 to 65%;
• - up to 1 year - from 33 to 45%;
• - from 1 year to 5 years - from 33 to 41%;
• - from 6 years to 11 - from 33 to 45%.

During pregnancy, this indicator can decrease significantly, this is quite acceptable.

Causes of Low Hematocrit

The first sign of anemia is a sharp decrease in the hematocritic number. But the amount of hematocrit may decrease as a result of some diseases, even the most life-threatening ones.

Among the most common reasons for a decrease in the amount of hematocrit in the blood are the following:

1. Heavy, prolonged bleeding associated with severe injuries or injuries, various fractures.
2. Heavy and prolonged menstruation.
3. Gynecological female diseases associated with severe bleeding.
4. Constant dieting, fasting or lack of essential foods in the daily diet for a healthy life.
5. If for a long period the bangs were in bed rest. This is most often observed during the recovery period after major operations or during injuries.
6. In cases where the independent process of formation of blood cells is slow or blood synthesis is impaired.
7. When cells are defective, blood cells may die on their own, or under the influence of high levels of toxins in the blood.
8. Severe blood thinning.
9. In connection with diseases such as hemoblostosis, myeloma and others, a high percentage of protein in the blood is observed, but the hematocrit level decreases sharply.
10. With various infectious diseases and kidney diseases, there is a large accumulation of fluid in the body, which also lowers the hematocrit rate.
11. During pregnancy, especially from the second trimester.

In addition, a decrease in hematocrit can occur with diseases such as:

• — oncological diseases, malignant tumors;
• - any inflammatory processes that are chronic;
• - kidney and liver diseases;
• - anemia.

False low hematocrit in the blood

Situations often arise when indicators of a low hematocrit content in the blood are false.

You should not take a test for the percentage of hematocrit in the blood:

• - immediately after heavy menstruation;
• — after severe blood loss, due to injuries of various kinds;
• - after taking medications, this can also give incorrect results;
• - in cases where a person’s veins have been compressed for some time;
• - the person was in a horizontal position for a long time.

In any of these cases, the test should be repeated after a few hours or days.

Who might be most at risk?

The decrease in this content does not affect gender or age, but there is a certain group that is most susceptible to reduced hematocrit.

1. Fast growing children.
2. If there is a significant lack of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in the diet of a child or adult.
3. Women in the first two months after the birth of the baby.
4. During pregnancy.
5. People with various chronic diseases and cardiovascular.
6. Persons who regularly use alcoholic drinks and smoke a lot.
7. People with a family history of cancer.

Treatment

Treatment of low hematocrit should be carried out primarily because this indicator indicates the presence of any disorders in the body or ongoing diseases.

If the cause is anemia, you should pay special attention to your diet. A person should eat nuts, meat, liver and eggs every day. It is important to remember that with a low hematocrit, the diet must contain a large amount of iron. To increase the level to the required level, you can take medications with a high iron content, as well as vitamins.

At peptic ulcers, treatment is prescribed gastroenterologist after all necessary tests. To increase the indicator, medications are prescribed.

Treatment of low hematocrit is carried out in several stages

• — Impact on the source, identification of the disease. Antitumor drugs are prescribed or the issue is resolved through surgery.
• – Increase the percentage of hematocrit with the help of vitamins and medicines with high iron content.
• - They compensate for the loss by a faster method - blood transfusion.

In order to prescribe treatment, you should first contact a specialist and undergo all the necessary tests. It is important to remember that possible false indicators; in such cases, take them again after some time. Preventive methods

To prevent a decrease in hematocrit and health problems, you should regularly monitor your life.

Preventive methods include:

• - quitting active smoking;
• - refusal to drink alcoholic beverages;
• - daily walks in the fresh air - at least 30-40 minutes;
• - balanced, nutritious nutrition;
• - regular medical examination.

The following foods should prevail in the daily diet: nuts, eggs, meat, liver, fresh vegetables and fruits, honey. You should not consume large quantities of foods that reduce the absorption of iron, as well as dairy products, since they contain a lot of calcium.

Drinks such as strong tea, coffee and cocoa also make it difficult to absorb iron.

Avoid using medications and preservatives - they reduce acidity.

Hematocrit is below normal - indicates a change in the density of the main biological fluid of a person. In this case, blood thinning is observed. This problem can affect absolutely every person, regardless of age and gender.

Often, such a deviation from the norm indicates the occurrence of anemia. In addition, trigger sources can be: severe internal bleeding, adherence to excessively strict diets and prolonged bed rest.

The clinical picture may include several specific manifestations, for example, decreased performance, increased heart rate and painful pallor of the skin.

An error can only be detected by performing a general and biochemical blood test. The results are deciphered by a hematologist who transmits all the information to the attending physician of a particular patient.

Treatment is carried out using conservative therapeutic techniques, which are based on adherence to a specially formulated diet and lifestyle changes. However, the problem will not be completely eliminated without eliminating the root cause.

Normal values

Low hematocrit is a deviation from the norm, which is individual for each person. This means that normal values ​​will differ not only depending on age, but also on gender.

For example:

• in newborns – from 35 to 65%
• in infants under 1 year of age, rates range from 32 to 40%
• in children from one to 11 years old valid values make up 32-41%
• in adolescence: for girls – 35-45%, and for boys – 34-44%
• in women: from 18 to 45 years old – 39-50%, over 45 years old – 35-46%
• in men: from 18 to 45 years old – 35-45%, over 45 years old – 40-50%.

If the hematocrit is reduced to 30-35% in an adult, then this is an indication for constant monitoring by a therapist. Values ​​from 24 to 29% are considered a painful condition that can only be eliminated with medication.

Etiology

Hematocrit or HCT can decrease due to the influence of a wide range of reasons, so they are usually divided into several categories - pathological and physiological factors.

The most common provoking diseases are:

• extensive internal bleeding;
• loss of a large amount of main biological fluid;
• oncological neoplasms of any location;
• inflammatory pathologies that have become chronic;
• hypoproteinemia;
• sickle cell anemia;
• thalassemia;
• internal injuries;
• bone fractures;
• multiple myeloma;
• hemoblastosis;
• renal artery stenosis;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• renal failure;
• polycystic kidney disease;
• dysbacteriosis;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• varicose veins of the esophagus;
• any damage to the spinal cord;
• leukemia;
• severe poisoning with medications, namely cytostatics or antitumor substances, as well as hemolytic poisons - toadstool or salts of heavy metals;
• malaria;
• typhoid fever;
• Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The most common cause is anemia - such a disorder provokes the development of a similar condition in 20-25% of cases.

If the hematocrit is low, this does not always indicate the course of any disease.

• ingestion of large amounts of liquid;
• pregnancy starting from 4 months of gestation;
• insufficient physical activity;
• the course of menstruation in women;
• long-term addiction to smoking cigarettes;
• excessive salt intake;
• prolonged refusal to eat or adherence to strict diets;
• lack of iron in the body;
• postpartum period.

It is noteworthy that a reduced hematocrit in the blood is often found in the fairer sex and in children.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a pathological source come to the fore among clinical manifestations, which is why a decrease in hematocrit may go unnoticed.

However, this problem has several specific external signs, among which are:

• systematic malaise;
• causeless shortness of breath;
• fatigue;
• increased heart rate;
• decreased performance;
• constant headaches;
• pale skin;
• deterioration of hair condition.

The above symptoms are most pronounced in pregnant women, children and people suffering from anemia.

Diagnostics

Only a hematologist can detect a decrease in hematocrit in the blood based on the results of a general clinical or biochemical blood test.

Such a diagnostic laboratory test includes several manipulations:

• first of all, it is necessary to collect biological fluid;
• transferring the material into a sterile flask;
• direction to a centrifuge for an hour and a half;
• separation of blood into its component parts.

Then the specialist needs to carefully study the material being studied and decipher the results. Only after this will all information be transferred to the attending physician who prescribed such an examination.

Sometimes it is possible to get false positive results.

This occurs in the following situations:

• drawing blood from a bedridden person;
• carrying out the procedure during menstruation;
• removal of material from the area where an intravenous infusion was recently performed;
• blood thinning with medications;
• compression of veins with a tourniquet for a long time.

In this situation, you need to take the test again.

In some cases, an additional blood test for hemoglobin may be required. This is necessary in controversial cases. Such a test can accurately indicate either anemia or pregnancy.

To search for other sources that the hematocrit is below normal, the therapist should independently carry out several activities, namely:

• get acquainted with the medical history to identify chronic diseases;
• collect and analyze life history to confirm or refute the influence of harmless sources;
• assess the condition of the skin;
• measure heart rate indicators;
• conduct a thorough physical examination of the patient;
• interview the patient in detail to obtain full picture Regarding the clinic: sometimes this helps to accurately determine the provoking disease.

A further laboratory and instrumental diagnostic program will be developed individually for each patient based on the complaints presented.

Treatment

It is possible to bring hematocrit to normal values, if it is below normal, using conservative therapeutic methods. In some cases, there is no need for specific correction, but only:

• give up addictions;
• regularly spend time in the fresh air;
• control the amount of fluid and salt consumed;
• stop uncontrolled use of medications;
• rationalize your lifestyle.

During pregnancy, treatment will be limited to taking medications containing iron.

Since most common cause a decrease in hct is anemia, then patients must follow a specially designed menu, which involves enriching the diet:

• legumes;
• dried fruits and eggs;
• chicken and fish;
• herbs and tomatoes;
• citrus fruits;
• strawberries and pomegranate;
• green vegetables;
• fruits and cereals;
• pumpkin and beets;
• cranberries and other iron-rich ingredients.

As for eliminating the root cause, this can be done either by non-surgical methods or by surgical intervention.

Prevention and prognosis

To prevent a person from having problems with a low hematocrit, it is necessary to strictly follow simple preventive measures, which in this case are presented:

• maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle;
• proper and nutritious nutrition;
• drinking no more than 2 liters of fluid per day;
• reducing the likelihood of exposure to stressful situations;
• taking medications in compliance with all recommendations of the attending physician regarding the daily dose and duration of use;
• timely diagnosis and treatment of any pathological etiological factor;
• regularly undergoing a comprehensive examination at a medical institution with visits to all clinicians.

The prognosis for a decrease in hematocrit is often positive. This condition does not pose a threat to a person’s ability to work or life. But it must be remembered that a favorable outcome is possible only if the underlying problem is adequately treated. If this is not done, then there is a high probability of developing complications of the main disease, which can lead to death.

Hematocrit, or hematocrit number, is a value that is determined by the ratio of the volume of blood cells (erythrocytes, platelets, leukocytes) to the volume of total blood. This value is designated as Ht. Since red cells make up 99% of the total number of blood cells, the hematocrit is considered to be the portion of the blood that is erythrocytes. The value is measured in percent or liters.

If a blood test shows that the hematocrit is low, you should find out the reasons, of which there may be quite a few.

Hematocrit norm

In general, the norm is 40-45%, or 450 ml per liter (0.45 l/liter) of blood. But it is not the same for people of different genders and ages.

For men, the normal hematocrit value is:

• from 18 to 45 years old – 39-49%;
• from 45 years old – 40-50%.

For women:

• from 18 to 45 years old – 35-45%;
• from 45 years old – 35-47%.

For children:

• for newborns – 33-65%;
• up to a year – 33-44%;
• from 1 to 5 years – 32-41%;
• from 6 to 11 years – 33-44%.

For pregnant women, a slight decrease in hematocrit is allowed.

It is red blood cells that determine the hematocrit value

Causes

Most often, a low hematocrit signals anemia. In addition, it can be reduced in some diseases, including dangerous ones. The main reasons for a decrease in hematocrit are as follows:

• severe bleeding caused by injuries, fractures of large bones, internal bleeding, gynecological diseases, menstruation;
• strict diet, fasting;
• sweating for a long time;
• slow process of red blood cell formation, impaired hemoglobin synthesis in sickle cell anemia, thalassemia;
• premature death of red blood cells due to genetically determined cell defects, autoimmune and toxic effects on them;
• blood thinning;
• hyperproteinemia, or high level proteins in the blood, in connection with such pathological processes as myeloma, hemoblastosis and others;
• accumulation of large amounts of fluid in the body (overhydration) due to intravenous infusions, renal failure, infectious diseases;
• pregnancy (second half).

A decrease in hematocrit is observed in the following diseases:

• anemia, in which the number of red blood cells is reduced;
• oncological diseases of the bone marrow, malignant tumors leading to reduced production of red cells;
• chronic inflammatory processes;
• vascular diseases;
• kidney disease (renal artery stenosis, renal failure, polycystic kidney disease);
• liver diseases.

False results

If you donate blood after blood loss, including during menstruation, the result may be distorted, that is, underestimated. Also, a false result may be obtained if blood is drawn from a site where intravenous infusions were recently performed and the blood is diluted medicine. Distortion is possible if the veins were compressed with a tourniquet for a long time or blood was taken when the person was in a supine position. In this case, the analysis must be taken again.

After centrifugation, the formed elements settle to the bottom of the capillary, and the plasma remains at the top - thus determining the hematocrit level

Hematocrit during pregnancy

In women during pregnancy, the hematocrit may be below normal. This is explained by the fact that blood volume increases due to plasma. During this period, this figure can be 33%, and this is considered normal. Special treatment, as a rule, is not required, and in the third trimester the indicator returns to normal naturally due to the intensive elimination of excess fluid. However, we must not forget that during pregnancy you need to constantly monitor your blood composition. Pregnant women often develop iron deficiency anemia, in which Ht is less than normal. Its decrease in expectant mothers may also be associated with overhydration.

A low hematocrit can lead to illness. In this case, you need to consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary treatment.

Reduced hematocrit in children

If a child’s hematocrit value is less than normal, what does this mean? To find out, a survey is required. There may be several reasons for a decrease in hematocrit in a child, including:

• reduced rate of red blood cell formation in the bone marrow;
• rapid breakdown of red blood cells;
• high levels of protein in the blood;
• large volume of circulating blood;
• bleeding.

Anemia is the most common cause of low hematocrit in a child.

Who is at risk?

• pregnant women with a term exceeding 4 months;
• women immediately after childbirth;
• suffering from chronic cardiovascular, hepatic and renal diseases;
• children whose diet does not contain enough iron-rich foods;
• rapidly growing children who do not receive enough nutrition;
• smokers;
• people who have been immobile for a long time.

Finally

A deviation from the norm in the Ht number is not a basis for making a diagnosis. If a person's hematocrit is below normal, this means that the level of red blood cells in the blood is reduced. Most often, this indicates anemia, which, in turn, can accompany certain diseases. In addition, a person experiences malaise, shortness of breath, headaches, and rapid heartbeat due to oxygen starvation, which can lead to disruption of the functioning of any organ. It is important to undergo an examination and clarify the diagnosis in order to begin treatment on time, if necessary.