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Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, and it rises and falls in parallel with haemoglobin — making it a near-redundant but confirmatory measure of anaemia and polycythaemia. Low hematocrit confirms anaemia (insufficient red cells or haemoglobin); high hematocrit is seen in dehydration, chronic mountain sickness, or polycythaemia vera, and increases blood viscosity and clotting risk. Athletes in endurance sports monitor hematocrit closely because training at altitude (or illicit EPO use) raises it significantly.
Also known as: Eritrociti/Sangue, Eritrocito/Sangre, Erythrozyt/Blut, Hct, Hematocrit, Hematocrit (Hct), Packed Cell Volume, Packed Red Cell Volume
High hematocrit thickens your blood, raising stroke and DVT risk from dehydration, polycythemia vera, or chronic lung disease. Low hematocrit confirms anemia and parallels low hemoglobin from iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, bleeding, or chronic disease.
Standard range is 36-46% for women and 38.3-48.6% for men. Functional targets are 38-42% for women and 42-47% for men. Hematocrit above 48% in men or 44% in women warrants investigation.