Anaemia: Difference between revisions
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Anaemia is a condition where low levels of [[Haemoglobin|haemoglobin]] or [[ | Anaemia is a condition where low levels of [[Haemoglobin|haemoglobin]] or [[Red blood cells|red blood cells]] result in insufficient [[Oxygen|oxygen]] being carried to the organs and tissues. There are many causes of anaemia but the most common cause is iron deficiency. A lack of iron in the body can be due to poor diet (inadequate levels of [[Iron|iron]], [[Folic acid|folic acid or]] [[Vitamin B12|vitamin B12]]<ref>Munker R, Hiller E, Glass J, Paquette R. (2007) Modern Hematology, 2nd edition, Totowa New Jersey: Humana Press</ref>), heavy periods, pregnancy, [[peptic ulcers|peptic ulcers]] or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. | ||
The symptoms of anaemia usually involve [[Lethargy|lethargy]], shortness of breath, pale complexion and brittle nails. However in severe cases of anaemia patients can display symptoms including [[Tachycardia|tachycardia]] (abnormally fast heartbeat) and heart failure<ref>Munker R, Hiller E, Glass J, Paquette R. (2007) Modern Hematology, 2nd edition, Totowa New Jersey: Humana Press</ref>. | The symptoms of anaemia usually involve [[Lethargy|lethargy]], shortness of breath, pale complexion and brittle nails. However in severe cases of anaemia patients can display symptoms including [[Tachycardia|tachycardia]] (abnormally fast heartbeat) and heart failure<ref>Munker R, Hiller E, Glass J, Paquette R. (2007) Modern Hematology, 2nd edition, Totowa New Jersey: Humana Press</ref>. | ||
Revision as of 03:30, 27 November 2013
Anaemia is a condition where low levels of haemoglobin or red blood cells result in insufficient oxygen being carried to the organs and tissues. There are many causes of anaemia but the most common cause is iron deficiency. A lack of iron in the body can be due to poor diet (inadequate levels of iron, folic acid or vitamin B12[1]), heavy periods, pregnancy, peptic ulcers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The symptoms of anaemia usually involve lethargy, shortness of breath, pale complexion and brittle nails. However in severe cases of anaemia patients can display symptoms including tachycardia (abnormally fast heartbeat) and heart failure[2].