Haematocrit

Haematology marker

Haematocrit

Category: Haematology
Unit: L/L

Percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.

PED Notes

Directly related to haemoglobin. AAS increase haematocrit. Values >0.52 increase stroke and cardiovascular risk significantly. EQ (Boldenone) is particularly notorious for raising haematocrit.

Lifestyle:

  • Donate blood regularly if levels exceed 0.50 (every 12 weeks)
  • Increase hydration to 3-4L/day
  • Reduce testosterone dosage if persistently high
  • Grapefruit/Naringin -- may mildly help lower HCT
  • Monitor blood pressure -- high viscosity raises BP

Important: If donating regularly, monitor iron studies (Ferritin, Iron, Transferrin Saturation) as frequent donation depletes iron stores

References:

  • Bachman, E., Travison, T. G., Basaria, S., et al. (2014). Testosterone induces erythrocytosis via increased erythropoietin and suppressed hepcidin. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 69(6), 725-735. DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glt154
  • Marchioli, R., Finazzi, G., Specchia, G., et al. (2013). Cardiovascular events and intensity of treatment in polycythemia vera. New England Journal of Medicine, 368(1), 22-33. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1208500
  • Robbins, R. C., Martin, F. G., & Roe, J. M. (1988). Ingestion of grapefruit lowers elevated hematocrits in human subjects. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, 58(4), 414-417. PubMed: 3243695

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

0.38 - 0.5 L/L

VitalMetrics Range

0.38 - 0.52 L/L

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