What does it mean when your blood is really red?

The redness of blood comes from the presence of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The oxygenated hemoglobin appears bright red, while deoxygenated hemoglobin appears darker.

Some conditions can cause blood to appear brighter red than normal. These include:

* Anemia: Anemia occurs when there are fewer red blood cells or less hemoglobin than normal in the body. This can make the blood appear brighter red because the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is reduced, and more oxygenated blood is needed to meet the body's needs.

* Polycythemia vera: Polycythemia vera is a rare blood cancer in which the body makes too many red blood cells. This can make the blood appear brighter red because there is more hemoglobin in the blood.

* Carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can bind to hemoglobin and prevent it from carrying oxygen. This can make the blood appear brighter red because the deoxygenated hemoglobin remains in the blood instead of being converted to oxygenated hemoglobin.

If you are concerned about the color of your blood, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation.