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Published on: Sep 11, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) Second Opinion

What is CBC test?

CBC stands for a complete blood count. This test is ordered together with, or in lieu of, other tests to find out certain facts about your blood that you can't observe just by looking at the rest of the machine's readout, such as whether you have any abnormally high levels of red and white cells; if there are too many platelets (blood-clotting cells) or too few; what your hematocrit reading reveals (the percentage of circulating red blood cells); or if there are any abnormalities in how your hemoglobin is doing.

A CBC blood test measures a patient's hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count. The "CBC" stands for "Complete Blood Count." A CBC test typically catches dangerous aspects of one's health before they could reach a crisis point because there are telltale green flags that show up on the blood screening. Understanding these green flags is imperative for those who suffer from chronic anemia or those who have been exposed to potentially life-threatening chemicals. This free-form amino acid should be supplemented inside a BCAA product as it has been shown to improve recovery rates following intense exercise sessions and acute liver damage in the rat model.

A cbc test, or complete blood count, is a screening test used to detect abnormalities in the colony of cells that reside in the bone marrow and typically produce all types of blood cells.

It also measures white and red blood cell counts as well as platelet counts. Platelets are the clotting components made by type-megakaryocyte cells residing in the bone marrow. White blood cells help fight infection from bacteria and other germs, while red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues scattered throughout your body. An abnormal white or red cell indicates a possible illness such as an infection or anemia (which causes reduced numbers of circulating red blood cells

Cbc Test is a diagnostic test used to examine the level of hemoglobin, red cells and white cells in the blood. The CBC can be used to diagnose anemia, infection or other diseases that affect the bone marrow. It may also be done along with a complete blood count (see CBC) or, when necessary, for chemical assessment after taking certain drugs or chemotherapy medications.

The cbc test (complete blood count) is a lab test that provides information on the number and type of cells in your body. A complete blood count (CBC) typically includes information such as red and white cell counts, platelet levels, hemoglobin levels, and other additional data.

A CBC is not typically ordered on its own unless you have symptoms that may be caused by one or more types of problems - for example something that might require further attention such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (blood disorder), chronic myelogenous leukemia (cancer), thalassemia major (disease). A CBC with differential is usually ordered when there are concerning symptoms or issues present.

CBC testing is a primary way in which a doctor can examine a patient's general health, because it contains information on many different aspects. A CBC typically records at least 7 different parameters:

•Hemoglobin - The protein in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues and binds with carbon dioxide to carry it back from the tissues to be released into our airways.

•Red Blood Cell Count - Counts how many red blood cells there are, both normal and abnormal types. This cell type has been singled out because its life span averages 120 days so if there were few being produced, or they were not

However, it is more correctly called "CBC" because there are separate tests that are needed for the different parts of the blood - white cells, red cells, platelets, etc., all found in your complete blood count.

What can possibly be measured depends on what additives you need to do along with the primary measurement of how many cells per milliliter of whole blood you have after mixing with plasma or serum. The most common measurements are hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying part), hematocrit (counts red cell volume) and mean corpuscular volume.

CBC looks at the various types of cells that are present in your blood - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This comprehensive test is used to measure the number of each type of cell in relation to one another on a per-microliter basis. It's used primarily as an indicator of health risk for certain time periods (for example infection or bone marrow), but can also be ordered when there are internal bleeding concerns. Common uses include monitoring kidney disease during dialysis treatment, chemotherapy after exposure to radiation therapy, hemolytic anaemias (blood disorders), chronic liver diseases, extreme iron overload due to repeated transfusions, heavy menstrual cycles during pregnancy.

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Why You Feel Dizzy After Standing Up: Causes, Risks and When to Worry

Most people have experienced a brief spell of dizziness after standing up too quickly. While an occasional episode is usually harmless, frequent or severe dizziness should not be ignored. Understanding why you feel dizzy after standing up helps identify whether it is a simple postural response or a sign of an underlying health condition.

In India, dehydration, anemia and blood pressure disorders make postural dizziness a common complaint across age groups.

What Happens in the Body When You Stand Up

When you move from sitting or lying down to standing:

gravity pulls blood toward the legs
blood pressure briefly drops
the heart and blood vessels must respond quickly

Normally, the nervous system adjusts within seconds to maintain blood flow to the brain.

Orthostatic Hypotension: The Most Common Cause

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when blood pressure drops significantly upon standing.

This leads to:

lightheadedness
blurred vision
weakness
near-fainting

WHO and ICMR recognise orthostatic hypotension as a major cause of postural dizziness.

Why the Brain Feels Dizzy

The brain is highly sensitive to reduced oxygen.

Even a brief drop in blood flow can cause:

dizziness
confusion
visual dimming

Once circulation normalises, symptoms usually resolve.

Dehydration and Fluid Loss

Dehydration reduces blood volume.

Common causes include:

inadequate water intake
excessive sweating
vomiting or diarrhoea
hot weather

NFHS-5 data shows dehydration-related symptoms are common during Indian summers.

Anemia and Low Hemoglobin Levels

Anemia reduces oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.

Symptoms include:

dizziness on standing
fatigue
breathlessness

Iron deficiency anemia is a frequent contributor, especially among women.

Blood Pressure Medications and Dizziness

Certain medications increase postural dizziness risk:

antihypertensives
diuretics
heart medications

These drugs can exaggerate blood pressure drops when standing.

Heart-Related Causes

Heart conditions may impair the ability to adjust blood flow.

Possible causes include:

slow heart rate
arrhythmias
heart valve disorders

Persistent dizziness requires cardiac evaluation.

Nervous System Disorders

The autonomic nervous system regulates blood pressure changes.

Conditions affecting it include:

diabetes-related nerve damage
Parkinson’s disease
long-standing alcohol use

ICMR reports note increasing autonomic dysfunction in chronic disease patients.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Apart from iron, deficiencies of:

vitamin B12
folate

can affect nerve function and circulation, worsening dizziness.

Standing Too Quickly

Sudden posture changes overwhelm the body’s adjustment mechanism.

This is more likely:

after prolonged sitting
early in the morning
after heavy meals

Rising slowly reduces symptoms.

Age and Postural Dizziness

Older adults are more vulnerable due to:

slower reflexes
reduced blood vessel elasticity
multiple medications

Fall risk increases with recurrent dizziness.

Warning Signs That Need Medical Attention

Seek medical care if dizziness:

occurs frequently
leads to fainting
is associated with chest pain
occurs with weakness or slurred speech

These may indicate serious conditions.

How Dizziness Affects Daily Life

Repeated episodes can:

increase fall risk
reduce confidence
impair work productivity

Early evaluation improves safety and quality of life.

How Doctors Evaluate Standing Dizziness

Evaluation may include:

blood pressure measurements lying and standing
blood tests for anemia and electrolytes
heart rhythm tests
neurological assessment

Diagnosis focuses on identifying root causes.

Lifestyle Measures to Reduce Dizziness

Helpful strategies include:

drinking adequate fluids
standing up slowly
avoiding sudden posture changes
increasing salt intake if advised
wearing compression stockings

Lifestyle correction often reduces symptoms significantly.

Role of Preventive Health Checkups

Regular health screenings help detect:

anemia
blood pressure abnormalities
metabolic conditions

Preventive care reduces complications from postural dizziness.

Importance of Heat and Hydration Awareness

Indian climate increases dehydration risk.

WHO heat-health advisories recommend:

regular fluid intake
avoiding prolonged standing in heat

These steps reduce dizziness episodes.

Long-Term Outlook

Most cases of postural dizziness are manageable.

When underlying causes are treated:

symptoms improve
quality of life increases
fall risk decreases

Timely care prevents progression.

Conclusion

Understanding why you feel dizzy after standing up is essential for protecting your health. While occasional dizziness is often due to sudden posture changes or dehydration, frequent episodes may indicate low blood pressure, anemia, medication effects or nervous system issues. Paying attention to symptoms, maintaining hydration and seeking medical evaluation when needed can prevent complications and ensure long-term wellbeing.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Blood Pressure and Postural Hypotension
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Cardiovascular and Autonomic Studies
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Anemia and Adult Health Data
Lancet – Orthostatic Hypotension and Fall Risk Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease and Preventive Health Reports
Statista – Global Dizziness and Blood Pressure Trends

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