MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -As the dis-tribution shifts to the left or toward lower values with increasing age as it does for men, the mean hematocrit decreases. As the distribution shifts to the right or toward higher values with age, as it does for women until ages 55-64 years, the mean increases.

Detailed explanation-2: -A higher than normal hematocrit can indicate: Dehydration. A disorder, such as polycythemia vera, that causes your body to produce too many red blood cells. Lung or heart disease.

Detailed explanation-3: -Heart disease: Studies show high hematocrit levels increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Dehydration: Dehydration lowers all water content in your body, including plasma in your blood. Lower plasma levels increase the ratio of red blood cells to blood volume.

Detailed explanation-4: -What can I do to increase my low hematocrit? Increasing the consumption of red meat (liver in particular), fish and shellfish (oysters, clams, shrimp, and scallops), dried fruit (apricots, prunes, and peaches), green leafy vegetables, beans, iron fortified breads and cereals, all rich in iron, may help.