Anaemia is a condition that occurs when the number of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin levels within them is lower than normal. Haemoglobin is a protein that helps carry oxygen in your body and gives blood its red colour. However, when there's a deficiency in either RBCs or haemoglobin, the tissues and organs do not receive sufficient oxygen, causing various symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
Most anaemia cases are treatable. However, if overlooked and left untreated, it can turn severe and even lead to intense complications, including heart issues.
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Signs Of Iron Deficiency Anaemia
In general, anaemia affects an estimated 50 crore women aged between 15 and 49 years worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The most vulnerable groups include children under 5 years of age, particularly infants and children under 2 years of age, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women, as per the global health body.
There are many types of anaemia, including anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, anaemia due to folate deficiency, pernicious anaemia, and megaloblastic anaemia.
However, one of the most common nutritional deficiencies leading to anaemia is iron deficiency, which occurs due to inadequate dietary iron intake.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Pranjit Bhowmik, Director - Internal Medicine, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, explains, “Your body cannot make enough haemoglobin if it does not receive enough iron. Consequently, iron deficiency anaemia may leave you feeling tired and losing your breath.”
Other symptoms include pale skin, headaches, vertigo, and cold extremities, he adds.
Can Severe Iron Deficiency Anaemia Cause Heart Problems?
Untreated iron deficiency anaemia can turn severe and worsen the condition, including heart complications, Dr Bhowmik says.
According to him, severe anaemia can significantly burden the heart. With fewer red blood cells carrying oxygen, he says that the heart will have to work much harder to pump enough oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. This increased strain can worsen existing heart problems or even contribute to heart failure over time, he adds.
One common indication includes a rapid or irregular heartbeat, accompanied by dizziness.
Also Read: The Role Of Iron And Vitamin B12 In Preventing Anaemia: How To Increase The Two Nutrient Levels
Other Complications To Watch Out For
Dr Bhowmik says, “Inadequate iron intake can also impair immunity, increasing susceptibility to illnesses.”
“Other possible outcomes include pregnancy difficulties, sleep disturbances, and restless legs syndrome.
“Severe iron deficiency in children can impede growth and development. To avoid these consequences, it is essential to have early diagnosis and treatment,” he adds.
Measures To Take
To reduce the risk of iron-deficiency anaemia, it is extremely important to address the factors that contribute to blood loss or iron absorption issues that might cause the illness, according to Dr Bhowmik. In addition, here are some ways to keep your iron levels intact:
- Maintaining a balanced diet that contains plenty of iron- and vitamin-rich foods.
- Eating foods like peas, tofu, dark green leafy vegetables, lean red meat, eggs, beans, dried fruits, breads, and cereals enriched with iron
- Eating fruits like oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes are examples of foods high in vitamin C that aid in the body's absorption of iron.
Conclusion
Iron-deficiency anaemia is a treatable condition. All it takes is following your doctor’s advice, including more iron-rich foods in your diet, and eating foods that help with iron absorption. Most importantly, it is important to recognise the signs of iron deficiency or prevent it by addressing the factors that may put you at risk. If you develop any signs, consult a healthcare professional to determine your condition and to understand the best course of action.