What could an above normal hemoglobin level suggest?

An above normal hemoglobin level typically suggests dehydration. When the body's fluid levels are low, the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood can appear elevated due to the reduced plasma volume. This occurs because the red blood cells remain the same in number, but the liquid part of the blood (plasma) decreases, making it seem as though there is more hemoglobin present.

In contrast, normal hydration levels would usually correlate with a standard range of hemoglobin. Anemia, which indicates a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, would actually result in low hemoglobin levels rather than elevated ones. High cholesterol is unrelated to hemoglobin levels and does not have a direct impact on the measurement of hemoglobin in the blood.