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What Causes Low Hematocrit Levels?

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Posted on Tue, 12 Jan 2016
Question: If dehydration is a transient disorder, how can we be sure about the extent to which it is a factor in causing high hematocrit levels?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
if all other parameters normal, then dehydration not playing a role

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Unfortunately there is no rate or percentage calculation to determine exact effect.

Dehydration does not only affect hematocrit but it also affects other factors as well.

If fluid intake has returned to normal and there is no other biochemical or examination indication of dehydration, then the hematocrit should return to normal if the increase is only due to dehydration.

In addition to an increase in hematocrit, dehydration also causes increase in BUN (urea) and creatinine, sodium levels may also be affected.
It causes symptoms and signs such as dry skin, decreased urination, increased pulse, decreased blood pressure.

If there is a normal intake of fluids (at least 8 glasses daily) and all of the above are normal, then any increase in hematocrit is not due to dehydration because hydration status is normal.

With normal hydration, any previous history of dehydration does not matter because the effect on the hematocrit would be gone

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Low Hematocrit Levels?

Brief Answer: if all other parameters normal, then dehydration not playing a role Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Unfortunately there is no rate or percentage calculation to determine exact effect. Dehydration does not only affect hematocrit but it also affects other factors as well. If fluid intake has returned to normal and there is no other biochemical or examination indication of dehydration, then the hematocrit should return to normal if the increase is only due to dehydration. In addition to an increase in hematocrit, dehydration also causes increase in BUN (urea) and creatinine, sodium levels may also be affected. It causes symptoms and signs such as dry skin, decreased urination, increased pulse, decreased blood pressure. If there is a normal intake of fluids (at least 8 glasses daily) and all of the above are normal, then any increase in hematocrit is not due to dehydration because hydration status is normal. With normal hydration, any previous history of dehydration does not matter because the effect on the hematocrit would be gone I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions