What is anemia?
Anemia is a below-normal level of hemoglobin* or hematocrit*. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of the body.
Anemia can be a temporary condition, a consequence of other health conditions, or it can be a chronic problem. People with mild anemia may not have any symptoms or may have only mild symptoms.
People with severe anemia may have problems carrying out routine activities and can feel tired or experienceshortness of breath with activity.1
How common is anemia in people with heart disease?
Many large studies have shown anemia is common in 17-48% of people with heart failure. One study showed that 43% of people who were hospitalized after a heart attack had anemia.2-4
What causes anemia in people with heart disease?
Anemia occurs when your body has a below-normal level of hemoglobin, which in turn prevents your body from getting enough oxygen. In certain cases, this lower level of oxygen causes your heart to work harder. These effects on your heart can make you susceptible to heart disease or worsen existing heart disease.1
What are the effects of untreated anemia in heart disease?
Anemia can lead to severe chest pain because parts of the heart are not getting enough oxygen. Lack of oxygen makes a heart work harder, so the muscles in its left-lower chamber may get too thick. This condition is called left ventricular hypertrophy, which can worsen heart disease and increase the chance of heart failure.1 In a study of people who initially had no heart disease, people with anemia were 41% more likely than those without anemia to have a heart attack, need an artery-clearing procedure, or die of heart disease within six years.5
Another study showed that anemia increases the chance of artery blockages in the arteries of the neck, a problem which can result in a stroke.6 The presence of anemia increases the death rate in people with heart failure and those who have had a heart attack.2,7-11 The death rate is especially high in anemic people with heart failure who also have kidney disease and/or diabetes.9 While managing anemia may be life saving in some circumstances, treatment has not proven to guarantee a longer lifespan.
How do I know if I have anemia?
The best way to determine if you have anemia is to discuss your blood counts and changes in hemoglobin and hematocritwith your doctor. Symptoms usually develop when anemia is moderate to severe, and can include fatigue, weakness, paleskin, chest pain, dizziness, irritability, numbness or coldness in your hands and feet, trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, and headache. It is important to see your doctor on a regular basis in order to be tested for possible anemia.
What treatments are available to help me?
Some treatments for anemia may be as simple as taking vitamins or iron supplements or preventing a loss of blood. Other people may benefit from treatment with man made erythropoietin medications that stimulate red blood cell production. Close communication with your doctor will help him or her provide the treatment that is best for you based on what is causing the anemia.
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