How common is anemia?
Anemiais a condition in which red blood cell (RBC) number or function is diminished.
Severe anemia can cause significant health problems, such as heart failure.
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In rare cases, anemia can be a cause of death.
Anemia is common during medical illnesses, and most of the time its treatable.
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How Common Is Anemia?
Anemia is fairly common.
Anemia by Ethnicity
Some types of hereditary anemia are especially prevalent among certain populations.
Females are twice as likely as males to have anemia.Adults have a higher rate of anemia than children.
The risk of anemia increases with age.
Adults aged 80 to 85 have the highest rates of anemia.
For males, the rates of anemia increase throughout adulthood.
Causes of Anemia and Risk Factors
There is a wide variety ofcauses and risk factors for anemia.
These include medical illnesses, hereditary conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and medications.
All blood cells, including RBCs, are produced in the bone marrow.
Proper RBC formation requires several nutrients, most notably iron and vitamin B12.
What Are the Mortality Rates for Anemia?
Anemia can lead to serious health effects, including loss of consciousness and organ failure.
Severe anemia, rapidly worsening anemia, and anemia that occurs with other major illnesses can be fatal.
Additionally, routine screening for anemia is done during prenatal visits.
Summary
Anemia is an inadequate function of or number of red blood cells.
It is a fairly common condition, but it’s usually mild and temporary.
There are many causes of anemia.
Anemia can occur at any age, but in general, the risk of anemia increases with age.
Anemia is usually corrected with the treatment of the underlying cause.
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