What Is Anemia?

Risk Factors For Anemia

Anemia is a disorder that can occur in an individual of any gender, age, and race. However, there are certain factors that can increase an individual's risk of developing anemia. Individuals who have a harder time obtaining key nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, such as vegetarians and vegans, are at an increased risk for anemia. Those who sustain severe injuries or undergo invasive surgical procedures also have a higher risk of developing anemia. Long-term serious diseases can cause an individual to be more susceptible to developing anemia such as kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, diabetes, cancer, and heart failure.

In addition, any patient with a familial history of any inherited types of anemias will be at a greater risk of developing the condition. The presence of any disorder of the intestine that disrupts the normal absorption of nutrients can put an individual at a greater risk of acquiring anemia. Women who have heavy menstrual periods, who have recently given birth, and who have heavy menstrual periods are also more vulnerable to developing anemia.

What Are The Symptoms Of Anemia?

Many symptoms of anemia are common, regardless of the specific type of anemia present in a patient. Common symptoms indicating anemia include persistent fatigue and lethargy without another discernable cause, pale skin, chronic shortness of breath, chest pain, and heartbeat abnormalities (e.g. too fast or otherwise irregular). Patients dealing with anemia or many types often also complain of often feeling cold, particularly in the extremities. They may also find they often feel lightheaded or dizzy, particularly when exerting energy and when changing positions quickly (e.g. standing up too quickly). Other warning signs to look out for include fainting, brittle nails, enlarged lymph nodes, and issues with blood pressure.