Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Anaemia is a widespread blood disorder characterized by a deficiency in healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. This condition significantly impacts blood levels, disrupting the body’s oxygen supply and affecting various physiological processes. Understanding how anaemia influences blood levels is crucial in comprehending its impact on overall health.
What are the key blood components affected by anaemia?
Anaemia affects blood levels by impacting red blood cells (RBCs) and haemoglobin levels. Here is how anaemia impacts these components:
Red blood cell count (RBC): Anemia leads to a decrease in red blood cells number circulating in the bloodstream. Normally, RBCs play a crucial role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and organs throughout the body. When anaemia occurs, the body does not have enough RBCs to adequately carry oxygen. This results in decreased oxygen delivery to tissues. This lack of oxygen can cause symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Haemoglobin levels in anaemia: Hemoglobin is a protein present in red blood cells that binds to oxygen molecules and carries them to the body’s tissues. In cases of anaemia, there is a reduction in the levels of haemoglobin in the blood. This decrease in haemoglobin impairs the blood’s ability to efficiently transport oxygen to the body’s tissues. As a result, individuals with anaemia may experience symptoms such as paleness, dizziness, increased heart rate (as the body attempts to compensate for the reduced oxygen supply), and overall weakness.
How does anaemia influence blood test results?
Anaemia significantly influences blood test results, particularly in parameters like hematocrit levels and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV). This provides valuable insights for diagnosing and categorising different types of anaemia:
- Hematocrit Levels: Hematocrit refers to the proportion of the blood volume occupied by red blood cells. In anaemia, where there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells, the hematocrit levels drop. A lower hematocrit percentage indicates a reduced concentration of red blood cells within the blood. Clinically, low hematocrit levels are a key indicator of anaemia. It reflects the diminished oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to fewer red blood cells available for oxygen transport.
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): MCV measures the average size of red blood cells. Different types of anaemia are often categorised based on MCV values. These values indicate variations in the size of red blood cells. For instance:
- Microcytic anaemia involves smaller than normal red blood cells, resulting in a decreased MCV value.
- Macrocytic anaemia involves larger than normal red blood cells, leading to an increased MCV value.
- Normocytic anaemia presents with red blood cells of normal size and is reflected in a normal MCV range.
The MCV value provides crucial information about the size of red blood cells and assists in distinguishing between different types of anaemia. This distinction aids in determining the potential causes and guiding appropriate treatment strategies for the specific type of anaemia identified. Anemia is one of the major symptoms among thalassemia patients which makes MCV a credible diagnostic criteria.
How do anaemia subtypes impact blood levels?
Iron-deficiency anaemia: This type of anaemia results from insufficient iron in the body, affecting the production of haemoglobin. Blood tests may reveal low serum iron levels, reduced ferritin (iron storage protein), and decreased transferrin saturation. Such markers indicate inadequate iron for RBC production, contributing to anaemia and its effects on blood levels.
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia: Deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate affect RBC production and maturation, leading to megaloblastic anaemia characterised by enlarged, immature RBCs. Blood tests may reveal low levels of vitamin B12 or folate, elevated homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid levels, aiding in the diagnosis of these specific anaemias.
In conclusion, anaemia significantly impacts blood levels by disrupting RBC count, haemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and MCV. Understanding the implications of anaemia on these blood parameters is crucial for accurate diagnosis, classification of anaemia subtypes, and implementation of appropriate treatment strategies. Regular blood tests help monitor and manage anaemia, enabling healthcare professionals to address deficiencies and restore optimal blood levels for improved overall health and well-being.
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