Cpap and red blood count/hematocrit levels

[Fletcherfam]

Long story short, I have severe sleep apnea that was primarily from hypopneas (I think my ahi was like 41 or something)

My oxygen levels during sleep study were at around 84%.

I have been treating this since October of 2017

My current AHI according to my machine averages around 2.

He original thing that got me sent for a sleep study was my high red blood count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin. Those numbers have stayed the same basically since starting treatment.

I would have thought the treatment would have solved this? Is it possible that with APAP treatment I am still getting low oxygen levels due to very shallow breathes??

Ha ha for your help.

JT

[Ron AKA]

Oxygen test meters are very inexpensive. That may be the best way to find out what impact the CPAP is having.

[Mosquitobait]

Having high red blood count, hematocrit, and hemoglobin may have been coincidental and unrelated to your sleep apnea. I think red blood cells replace themselves after 180 days, so maybe your blood test was just a tad too early to make much of a difference. If the blood test was done by a doc other than the sleep doc, try contacting the office and ask them if a change should have been expected by now. You don't want to fall between the cracks - docs don't talk to each other and it's up to you, the patient, to advocate for yourself.

[Sleeprider]

A high hemocrit is also related to testosterone replacement therapy, dehydration, and other natural causes. Donating blood and proper hydation is often a good way to reduce the count.