Can Anemia Cause Death?
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency among developed and developing regions globally. There's a greater prevalence among pregnant women, infants and the poor. Many people are unaware that they suffer from anemia let alone the dangers if left untreated.
A person with this deficiency has a decreased amount of red blood cells that is made up of the iron-rich molecule hemoglobin. Not only does it give blood it's colour, but it's also responsible for the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Untreated anemia can cause serious health problems
According to the Office on Women's Health, if anemia is left untreated it can cause serious health problems. Too little oxygen flowing to the body can be detrimental to human organs. As a result, anemic patients’ hearts must work harder to compensate for the lack of hemoglobin, which can harm the heart.
There are many causes of anemia. These include:
Iron lost through bleeding
Increased need for iron during pregnancy
Not eating enough food that contains iron
Problems absorbing iron
For anemia to be treated correctly, necessary precautions can be made to avoid the underlying condition.
Treat the cause of your anemia
Supplement with iron-rich foods
Consume foods that may help your body absorb iron
Choose healthier food options
Avoid drinking tea and coffee with your meals
Consult with your doctor if you're taking calcium pills
Pregnant women can also be affected if their anemia is left untreated, causing low-birth weight and preterm delivery, and impairment of intellectual and motor development in children. When anemia is more significant, dispose (shortness of breath) and fatigue may occur, reports the Department of Medicine, Ohio University in Ohio.
Severe iron deficiency can cause left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) and overt heart failure, which can cause death.
According to a journal entry published in the Texas Heart Institute, heart failure is caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that impair the ability on or both of the ventricles to fill with or eject blood. Left ventricular dysfunction is a result of iron deficiency, particularly when a patients hemoglobin levels are lower than 5 grams per decilitre (g/dL).
Symptoms of left ventricular dysfunction to look out for:
Shortness of breath
Fatigue and weakness
Reduced ability to exercise
Persistent coughing
Swelling in legs, ankles and feet
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