What do the results mean?There are many reasons your hemoglobin levels may be outside the normal range.Low hemoglobin levels may be a sign of:Different types of anemiaThalassemiaIron deficiencyLiver diseaseCancer and other diseasesHigh hemoglobin levels may be a sign of:Lung diseaseHeart diseasePolycythemia vera, a disorder in which your body makes too many red blood cells. It can cause headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath.If any of your levels are abnormal, it does not necessarily indicate a medical problem needing treatment. Diet, activity level, medications, a women's menstrual cycle, and other considerations can affect the results. In addition, you may have higher than normal hemoglobin if you live in a high altitude area. Talk to your health care provider to learn what your results mean.Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
