High Protein in Blood (Hyperproteinemia)

Proteins are important components of all cells and tissues. Proteins are necessary for the growth, development and health of your body. Hyperproteinemia is an increase in protein concentration in the blood stream. High blood proteins are not a disease or a specific condition in themselves, but they can indicate that you have a disease.

Symptoms of High Protein in Blood

High blood proteins rarely cause signs or symptoms. But sometimes it is discovered during blood tests as part of an evaluation for another problem or symptom. People with medical conditions that affect their liver or kidneys can undergo total protein tests during follow-up visits to monitor their recovery during treatment. A doctor can order a total protein test if a person has one of the following conditions:

• Unexpected weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Edema or swelling due to excessive fluid in the tissues
• Difficulty in urinating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Symptoms of nutritional deficiency

Normal Range of Protein in Blood

Laboratories can use slightly different total protein ranges, depending on the test method and the equipment they use.

The normal range for serum protein levels in the blood is between 6 and 8 grams per deciliter (g / dl). From this, albumin constitutes from 3.5 to 5.0 g / dl and the rest represents total globulins. These intervals may vary between laboratories.

Causes of High Protein in Blood

Possible causes of high blood protein include:

•  The accumulation of abnormal proteins in your organs
• Dehydration
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• HIV / AIDS
• Multiple myeloma
• Dieting
• Stress
• Age
• Pregnancy
• Taking birth control pills

Complications of High Blood Protein

Constantly high total protein levels in the blood can indicate the following health conditions:

•  Inflammation caused by infections, such as HIV or hepatitis
• Cancer
• Dehydration
• Chronic kidney disease
• Liver disease