What causes high protein in the blood?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. Thank you for your question.

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.

Possible causes of high blood protein include:

Bone marrow disorder
Multiple myeloma
Amyloidosis
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
Chronic inflammatory conditions
HIV/AIDS
Dehydration (which may make blood proteins appear falsely elevated)
A high-protein diet doesn't cause high blood protein.

A total protein test can determine whether you have high blood protein. Other more-specific tests can help determine where it's coming from, for instance, the liver or the bone marrow. A serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) test measures individual blood proteins. It can reveal which specific protein type is causing your high blood protein levels. Your doctor may use a SPEP if he or she suspects you have a bone marrow disease.

Hope this is helpful,
Maryann