High MCH value can often be
caused by anemia due to a deficiency of B vitamins, particularly B-12 and folate
. Both of these vitamins are required by your body in order to make red blood cells. These types of anemia can develop if your diet is low in B vitamins or if your body does not absorb B-12 or folate properly.
What does it mean when your MCH is high?
High MCH scores are commonly a sign of
macrocytic anemia
. This condition occurs when the blood cells are too big, which can be a result of not having enough vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body. High MCH scores may also be the result of the following: liver diseases.
Does high MCH mean cancer?
High MCH Levels
Polycythemia vera (a rare blood disease typically caused by a genetic mutation where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells) Congenital heart defects. Certain types of kidney diseases, including
kidney cancer
.
Is it bad if your MCH is high?
You may not feel bad if your MCH is high
. But it may be a sign that your red blood cells aren't dividing the right way. This may cause anemia because you end up with fewer red blood cells. You could have symptoms similar to low MCH.
What are symptoms of high MCH?
- shortness of breath.
- chest pain.
- fast heartbeat.
- fatigue or weakness.
- very pale or yellowish skin.
- headache.
How high can MCH levels go?
MCH levels
over 34 pg
are generally considered abnormally high. The most common reason for high MCH is macrocytic anemia, which is a blood disorder in which the body fails to produce enough red blood cells.
What does high MCH and MCHC mean?
The takeaway. MCHC is
a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin inside of a single red blood cell
, and it's often ordered as part of a CBC panel. You'll have a high MCHC value if there's an increased concentration of hemoglobin inside of your red blood cells.
What causes high MCHC in blood test?
Causes of a High MCHC
A high MCHC means that
hemoglobin is more concentrated than usual
and may occur in a few ways. For instance, hemoglobin becomes more concentrated when red blood cells break down. MCHC is often increased in people who smoke. 10 MCHC may also be falsely increased due to cold agglutinin disease.
How do you treat high MCHC?
Treatment for high MCHC depends on the underlying cause. Doctors usually treat
autoimmune hemolytic anemia with corticosteroids
, such as Prednisone. Initially, doctors will prescribe a high dose and then lower it over time. In severe cases of hemolytic anemia, doctors may recommend removing the spleen.
Is High MCHC bad?
If you have a high MCHC, this means that the
relative hemoglobin concentration per red blood cell is high
. MCHC can be elevated in diseases such as: hereditary spherocytosis. sickle cell disease.
Can dehydration cause high MCV?
High values can indicate polycythemia or dehydration
. MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) is the average size of red blood cells in a blood sample. MCV results are often used to classify anemias.
What does MCHC mean in medical terms?
The
mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
(MCHC) is the average concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein molecule that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues within your body.
What are symptoms of high MCV?
- Fatigue.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Cold hands and feet.
- Pale skin.
What causes high MCV?
The common causes of macrocytic anemia (increased MCV) are as follows:
Folate deficiency anemia
.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
.
Liver disease
.
What diet causes macrocytic anemia?
A
folate deficiency
, sometimes known as vitamin B-9 deficiency, can also cause macrocytic anemia. Pregnant and breast-feeding women use more folate and have a higher risk of becoming deficient. People who do not eat enough folate-rich foods can also become deficient.
How long does it take for MCV to return to normal?
Because the MCV usually returns to normal
within 2 to 4 months of abstinence
, the increase in RBC size apparently is a direct effect of alcohol on RBC production.
