Anemia is a common condition and has many causes, one of which is hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), a condition in which maternal antibodies attack the red blood cells of fetuses during pregnancy.
When a patient has anemia, their hemoglobin levels are lowered, which compromises the body’s ability to effectively transport oxygen.
Oxygenation as battleground
The primary association between anemia and heart issues is that both red blood cells and the heart are involved in ensuring that the body receives adequate oxygen. If either the red blood cells or the heart is compromised, the body can not be properly oxygenated.
Because anemia causes a lack of oxygenation in the human body, this causes the heart to begin pumping faster to ensure that more blood is circulated throughout the body to compensate for inadequate supply of oxygen. If this continues for a prolonged period of time, the heart may suffer damage from overexertion.
Read more about HDFN overview
The heart is itself a muscle that requires adequate oxygenation. Not enough oxygenation in the heart can result in poorer function and complications that further compromise the adequate supply of oxygen to the heart.
Treating anemia
When a patient is diagnosed with anemia, their doctor will likely want to find out the root cause.
In specific diseases such as HDFN, the mechanisms by which anemia is triggered in a patient is relatively well understood. However, there are many other possible causes of anemia. If there is any doubt into the cause, your doctor will launch an investigation into possible causes.
The whole body needs to compensate for the lack of oxygenation brought about by anemia, especially the heart muscles. Adequate treatment of anemia, including blood transfusions, can help alleviate some of the symptom burden and lead to better outcomes.
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