High Blood Protein

High blood protein (hyperproteinemia) is an increase in the concentration of protein in the bloodstream. High blood protein is not a specific disease or condition in itself, but it might indicate you have a disease.

High blood protein rarely causes signs or symptoms on its own. But sometimes it is uncovered while you’re having blood tests done as part of an evaluation for some other problem or symptom.

Cause Too Much Protein in Blood

Eating a high-protein diet does not elevate proteins in your blood, but high-fat and high-sugar diets can cause inflammation that increases levels of a specific protein called C-reactive protein. Proteins in the blood also rise as a result of different health issues, from seasonal flu to serious medical conditions.

Possible causes of high blood protein include:

• Bone marrow disorder
• Multiple myeloma
• Amyloidosis
• Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
• Chronic inflammatory conditions
• HIV/AIDS
• Dehydration (which may make blood proteins appear falsely elevated)

A high-protein diet doesn’t cause high blood protein.

High blood protein is not a specific disease or condition in itself. It’s usually a laboratory finding uncovered during the evaluation of a particular condition or symptom. For instance, although high blood protein is found in people who are dehydrated, the real problem is that the blood plasma is actually more concentrated.

Certain proteins in the blood may be elevated as your body fights an infection or some other inflammation. People with certain bone marrow diseases, such as multiple myeloma, may have high blood protein levels before they show any other symptoms.

The role of proteins

Proteins are large, complicated molecules that are vital to the function of all cells and tissues. They are made in many places throughout your body and circulate in the blood.

Proteins take a variety of forms such as albumin, antibodies and enzymes and have many different functions, including:

• Helping you fight disease
• Regulating body functions
• Building muscles
• Transporting drugs and other substances throughout the body

How Is the Total Protein Test Performed?

The test uses a blood sample that is analyzed in the laboratory. To obtain a blood sample, the lab technician will draw blood from a vein in your arm or the back of your hand. First, the site is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe. The lab staff will wrap a band around your arm to apply pressure to the area and gently insert the needle into the vein. The blood will collect into a tube attached to the needle. Once the tube is full, the band and the needle will be removed from your arm. Pressure should be applied to the puncture site with a cotton ball pressed to the site to stop any bleeding.

In infants or small children, a lancet is used to puncture the skin and the blood collects in a small glass pipette, test strip, or onto a slide. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

Side Effects Of Too Much Protein In Blood

• Too much of protein concentration in the blood causes extra burden for the kidney to filter it. Kidney stones can form when there is too high protein level in blood for a long duration.
• Constipation, tingling in hands and legs, extreme tiredness, change in appearance of skin, etc, are some of the side effects of high levels of protein in blood. They are also symptoms of amyloidosis.
• Dehydration: It occurs as a result of accumulation of ketones in the blood. The condition is referred as ketosis.
• Osteoporosis is another side effect of too much of protein in blood.