Thick blood while not on cycle?

[R1187]

I took a blood test last month after not using any gear for over 10 years. Red blood cell count was flagged at the high end at 5.81. Hematocrit was also high at 50.3%. If I start using gear again, am I at risk of cardiac problems and clots? I am 40, active, not fat, and the rest of the blood test indicated normal metabolic health except for a 5.81% A1C from bulking up.

 

[Hyde]

50% hematocrit is basically ideal for an athlete/lifter that is otherwise healthy. But you can expect it to rise if you add gear, especially things like Test, Nandrolone, Primo, EQ, & Anadrol.

The heavier you get, especially if you are gaining total size or muscle in the neck and chest, the worse sleep apnea gets. As you become hypoxic while sleeping due to the apneas, your body compensates over time by increasing RBC production to carry more oxygen to help offset the lack of total oxygen intake.

If you lose significant weight or get a CPAP or one of those custom fit mouthpieces, the issue can be reversed. As long as the airflow returns to normal at night time.

You should also check your ferritin levels, to see if you actually may just have elevated iron levels. If so, that’s pretty easy to bring down with IP6 or polyphenol supplements or dairy/calcium consumed concurrently with your meals containing any dietary iron.

 

[Smont]

I erased my previous comments just to avoid the arguments from the ppl who freak out over high hematocrit. But, 50 is fine, and if you are not completely hydrated it will be higher. Ive had dr.s say if you didn't drink a solid gallon of water before the test it's likely not accurate because almost no1 is ever properly hydrated.

 

[Hyde]

I erased my previous comments just to avoid the arguments from the ppl who freak out over high hematocrit. But, 50 is fine, and if you are not completely hydrated it will be higher. Ive had dr.s say if you didn't drink a solid gallon of water before the test it's likely not accurate because almost no1 is ever properly hydrated.

Agreed, 50 is no issue for an active person who exercises by all educated medical accounts I’ve heard. 55+ is probably more where concern needs to be real, and again environment really matters. I.e., How hydrated are you staying, what is BP and actual heart function like, what is total bodyweight, what kind of routine cardio and activity levels are we talking, age, do you have clotting dispositions, do you have COVID, are you using SERMs or something that promotes clotting, so on & so forth.

I am not a doctor and this isn’t medical advice. My friendly advice is err on the side of caution always, but a 50 is nothing to worry over for someone generally “healthy”.