What happens if you have a low red blood cell count?
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Charlotte Hill
Studied at Stanford University, Lives in Palo Alto, CA
As a hematologist, I specialize in the study and treatment of blood disorders. When it comes to a low red blood cell count, which is medically referred to as anemia, there are several potential consequences.
Anemia can result in a range of symptoms due to the reduced capacity of the blood to carry oxygen efficiently to the body's tissues. Some common symptoms include:
1. Fatigue: As the body's tissues don't receive enough oxygen, a person may feel tired and weak.
2. Pale Skin: A lack of oxygenated blood can make the skin appear paler than usual.
3. Shortness of Breath: This can occur when the body is trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
4. Dizziness: Again, this is due to the reduced oxygen reaching the brain.
5. Headaches: These can be caused by the brain not receiving an adequate supply of oxygen.
6. Cold Hands and Feet: The extremities may feel cold because the blood isn't circulating as effectively.
In more severe cases, a low red blood cell count can lead to more serious complications such as:
- Heart Problems: The heart may have to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, which can lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure.
- Organ Damage: If organs don't receive enough oxygen, they can become damaged over time.
It's important to identify the cause of anemia, as treatment will depend on the underlying issue. Causes can range from nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of iron or vitamin B12, to more serious conditions like bone marrow disorders or chronic diseases.
Anemia can result in a range of symptoms due to the reduced capacity of the blood to carry oxygen efficiently to the body's tissues. Some common symptoms include:
1. Fatigue: As the body's tissues don't receive enough oxygen, a person may feel tired and weak.
2. Pale Skin: A lack of oxygenated blood can make the skin appear paler than usual.
3. Shortness of Breath: This can occur when the body is trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
4. Dizziness: Again, this is due to the reduced oxygen reaching the brain.
5. Headaches: These can be caused by the brain not receiving an adequate supply of oxygen.
6. Cold Hands and Feet: The extremities may feel cold because the blood isn't circulating as effectively.
In more severe cases, a low red blood cell count can lead to more serious complications such as:
- Heart Problems: The heart may have to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, which can lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure.
- Organ Damage: If organs don't receive enough oxygen, they can become damaged over time.
It's important to identify the cause of anemia, as treatment will depend on the underlying issue. Causes can range from nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of iron or vitamin B12, to more serious conditions like bone marrow disorders or chronic diseases.
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Studied at the University of Cape Town, Lives in Cape Town, South Africa.
Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen. Symptoms of anemia -- like fatigue -- occur because organs aren't getting what they need to function properly.
2023-04-16 14:04:16
Charlotte Edwards
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen. Symptoms of anemia -- like fatigue -- occur because organs aren't getting what they need to function properly.
