Low Hemoglobin Count

A low hemoglobin count, also known as anemia, is a condition where the body has a lower than normal number of red blood cells or the red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin.

What is Hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It is made up of heme (an iron-containing compound) and globin (a protein).

Causes of Low Hemoglobin Count

• Blood loss (e.g., heavy menstrual periods, bleeding ulcers, or injury)
• Iron deficiency (e.g., due to poor diet, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease)
• Vitamin deficiency (e.g., lack of vitamin B12 or folate)
• Anemia of chronic disease (e.g., due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or cancer)
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thalassemia
• Aplastic anemia (a rare condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells)

Symptoms of Low Hemoglobin Count

• Fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pale skin
• Cold hands and feet
• Headaches
• Rapid heartbeat

Diagnosis of Low Hemoglobin Count

A low hemoglobin count is typically diagnosed with a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures the levels of different components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Treatment of Low Hemoglobin Count

• Iron supplements or vitamin B12 injections to treat iron deficiency or vitamin deficiency anemia
• Blood transfusions to replace lost blood
• Erythropoietin (EPO) therapy to stimulate the production of red blood cells
• Treatment of underlying conditions, such as celiac disease or rheumatoid arthritis

Complications of Untreated Low Hemoglobin Count

If left untreated, a low hemoglobin count can lead to complications such as:

• Poor wound healing
• Increased risk of infections
• Decreased cognitive function
• Increased risk of heart problems (e.g., heart failure or arrhythmias)