Hematocrit is a medical term used to describe the percentage of red blood cells in the body. The level of hematocrit is vital in checking for anemia and other medical conditions that are associated with low hemoglobin levels.

A low hematocrit level is a condition that requires immediate medical attention, as it may be a sign of more severe health problems. In this article, we will explore other causes of low hematocrit, other than the commonly known anemia.

Causes of Low Hematocrit

Other than anemia, some health conditions and lifestyle practices can cause low hematocrit levels. They include:.

Chronic Kidney Disease

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience low hematocrit levels due to the shortage of the hormone erythropoietin, which is released by the kidneys. Erythropoietin is responsible for triggering the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.

Hence, reduced production of this hormone results in fewer or no red blood cells being produced. The buildup of toxins, such as creatinine and urea, in the blood due to kidney failure, also contributes to the low hematocrit levels.

Blood Loss

Acute blood loss is a typical yet commonly overlooked cause of low hematocrit levels. Blood loss arising from accidents, surgeries, or gastrointestinal bleeding can result in low hematocrit levels.

The major cause of low hematocrit levels in women of reproductive age is menstrual bleeding. Heavy menstrual bleeding leads to significant blood loss and, eventually, low hematocrit levels.

Lifetime of Heavy Smoking

Smokers have a higher likelihood of suffering from low hematocrit levels due to their blood’s inability to carry oxygen efficiently.

The harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, such as carbon monoxide and nicotine, interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to body tissues, leading to low hematocrit levels. Smoking cessation can help improve hematocrit levels, but it may take time for significant improvement to be seen.

Chronic Inflammatory Disease

People with chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease, are susceptible to low hematocrit levels due to inflammation in the body.

Inflammation can lead to the disruption of red blood cell production in the bone marrow, hence, resulting in low hematocrit levels.

Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol consumption interferes with the production of red blood cells, eventually leading to low hematocrit levels. Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and damages the liver, leading to the reduction of erythropoietin hormone production.

The damage caused to the liver also interferes with the production of red blood cells, leading to a low hematocrit level.

Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a blood disorder that affects red blood cells’ production, leading to a low hematocrit level. The disorder occurs when the body produces abnormal hemoglobin, leading to abnormal red blood cells’ formation.

These abnormal red blood cells are destroyed faster than normal, resulting in a low hematocrit level.

Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin deficiencies, especially of vitamins B12 and B6, are common causes of low hematocrit levels. Vitamin B deficiencies lead to decreased red blood cell production, leading to a drop in hematocrit levels.

A diet lacking in iron-rich foods can cause low hematocrit levels.

Genetic Causes

Hematocrit levels are genetically determined; hence, some people may experience low hematocrit levels due to their genetic makeup. Genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, also lead to low hematocrit levels.

Bone Marrow Damage

Bone marrow damage resulting from chemotherapy or radiation may lead to low hematocrit levels.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapies aim to eliminate cancer cells but may also destroy healthy cells, including those responsible for red blood cell production.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, a low hematocrit level is a condition that requires prompt medical attention. Hematocrit levels are a vital indicator of an individual’s overall health. The condition is commonly associated with anemia, but it is not the only cause.

Other health conditions, lifestyle practices, and genetic factors can lead to low hematocrit levels. Hence, it is critical to prioritize nutrition, exercise, and medical check-ups, especially when symptoms of low hematocrit levels appear.