Stroke's Impact: Low Hgb Levels And Their Causes

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. A stroke occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen, so it is reasonable to wonder if there is a link between low hemoglobin levels and strokes. Indeed, low hemoglobin levels can be caused by any condition that affects the body's ability to create red blood cells or conditions that lower red blood cells in the bloodstream. Studies have shown that anemia, or low hemoglobin, is associated with worse outcomes in stroke patients. However, it is unclear whether this is simply due to comorbidities that cause anemia or if decreased oxygen-carrying capacity accelerates the decay of the penumbra due to reduced oxygen supply to the jeopardized tissue. While some studies have found a negative association between low hemoglobin and stroke outcomes, others have found no link. Therefore, more research is needed to clarify the relationship between low hemoglobin levels and stroke outcomes and to determine if maintaining or increasing hemoglobin levels can improve stroke outcomes.

How is low haemoglobin diagnosed?

Low haemoglobin, or anaemia, is usually diagnosed with a routine blood test. This test will reveal low haemoglobin or hematocrit levels. Haemoglobin is the main protein in red blood cells, carrying oxygen around the body.

Anaemia is a common condition, affecting almost 6% of the US population. It is more common in women, young children, and people with long-term illnesses.

Symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, unusual heartbeat, pain, and pale or yellow skin.

A complete blood count (CBC) test will measure red blood cells, haemoglobin, and other elements of the blood. Doctors will also ask about family and medical history. Further tests may include a blood smear or differential test, and a reticulocyte count.

What are the symptoms of low haemoglobin?

Symptoms of Low Haemoglobin

Low haemoglobin, or haemoglobin deficiency, is often a sign of anemia. While the symptoms of low haemoglobin can be mild, they can become more severe if the condition is left untreated.

Symptoms of low haemoglobin include:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• A fast or unusual heartbeat
• Pain in the bones, chest, belly, and joints
• Problems with growth (in children and teens)
• Pale or yellow skin
• Fatigue or weakness

If left untreated, low haemoglobin can cause more severe symptoms, including:

• Loss of sexual interest
• Increased menstrual bleeding
• An inflamed or sore tongue
• Shortness of breath while at rest or with little activity
• Lightheadedness when standing up
• Pica syndrome, or the desire to eat non-food items such as ice
• A blue colour to the whites of the eyes

What are the causes of low haemoglobin?

Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. A low haemoglobin level may be a symptom of several conditions, including different kinds of anaemia and cancer.

Causes of Low Haemoglobin

Low haemoglobin levels can be caused by any condition that affects the body's ability to create red blood cells or conditions that lower red blood cells in the bloodstream.

Conditions Affecting the Body's Ability to Create Red Blood Cells

• Lack of iron in the diet: This makes it harder for the bone marrow to produce haemoglobin.
• Lack of folate or vitamin B-12: This can lead to the body producing fewer red blood cells than are needed.
• Bone marrow conditions: This includes cancer leukaemia, which prevents the bone marrow from producing enough red blood cells.
• Chronic kidney disease: The kidneys make a hormone that signals the bone marrow to make red blood cells. Chronic kidney disease affects this process.

Conditions Lowering Red Blood Cells in the Bloodstream

• Severe blood loss: This can happen after surgery or a major injury.
• Internal bleeding: This can be caused by stomach ulcers, stomach or colon cancer, or internal injuries.
• Sickle cell anaemia: This is a genetic condition that causes red blood cells to be abnormally sickle-shaped and able to carry less haemoglobin.
• Conditions that cause chronic bleeding, such as gastric ulcers, colon polyps, colon cancer, uterine fibroids, or heavy menstrual bleeding.

Effects of Low Haemoglobin

Low haemoglobin levels can result in decreased oxygen delivery to vital organs and muscles, resulting in fatigue or a lack of energy.

How is low haemoglobin treated?

Low haemoglobin, or anaemia, is usually treated by addressing the underlying cause. For example, if the patient has iron-deficiency anaemia, they may be treated with iron supplements and a diet rich in iron. In most cases, treating the underlying cause of anaemia will bring the haemoglobin level up.

If the patient has aplastic anaemia, they may need medication, blood transfusions, or a bone marrow transplant. If the patient has hemolytic anaemia, they may need medication that will suppress their immune system. If the anaemia is caused by blood loss, the patient might need surgery to find and fix the bleeding.

If the patient has vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, they will be prescribed supplements. If the patient has thalassemia, they might need blood transfusions, a bone marrow transplant, or surgery.

In general, a healthy diet with iron-rich foods is one way to treat anaemia at home.

What can be done at home to treat low haemoglobin?

Low haemoglobin levels can be a symptom of several conditions, including different kinds of anaemia and cancer. While low haemoglobin levels cannot be managed at home, eating a vitamin-rich diet can help maintain red blood cells.

Iron-rich foods

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. Iron works to boost the production of haemoglobin, which also helps to form more red blood cells. Low iron levels can result in low levels of red blood cells, meaning not enough oxygen will be transported throughout the body.

The following are good sources of iron:

• Red meat (beef) and meat from the organs, like liver
• Leafy vegetables, like kale and spinach
• Leafy green vegetables, such as kale and broccoli
• Meat, fish, and poultry

Folate-rich foods

Folate is a type of B vitamin that plays an essential part in haemoglobin production. The body uses folate to produce heme, a component of haemoglobin that helps carry oxygen.

Good sources of folate include:

• Beans, such as kidney beans
• Lentils, beans and peas
• Nuts and dried berries

Foods that help the body absorb iron

Consuming certain vitamins and minerals may help the body absorb iron better:

• Oranges
• Strawberries
• Papaya
• Guava
• Sweet red pepper
• Grapefruit
• Fish
• Liver
• Squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Collards
• Carrots
• Turnips
• Squash
• Cantaloupes
• Mangoes

Iron supplements

Doctors may advise people with extremely low haemoglobin levels to take iron supplements. These supplements gradually increase the body's iron levels over a few weeks. Doctors may also recommend taking them for several months to increase the body's iron stores. However, it is important to note that too much iron can be dangerous and may cause hemochromatosis, which can lead to liver disease.

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