Hemoglobin is used to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, so anemia will lead to hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen in the organs. Because all cells need oxygen for survival, anemia can have an impact on your overall health. This is the most common blood disorder. Several kinds of anemia exist, and there are various causes of the underlying condition. The anemia will be classified is various ways, based on the morphology of RBCs, underlying etiologic mechanisms, and discernable clinical... more

Anemia may be caused by three major sources: excessive blood loss, decreased red blood cell production, and the destruction of red blood cells. Blood loss may result in a sharply decreased number of red blood cells, and may go unnoticed if it occurs slowly and chronically, typically as a result of ulcers, hemorrhoids, menstruation, or childbirth. Decreased production of red blood cells is typically a result of a genetic condition, such as sickle-cell anemia, or an iron or vitamin deficiency.... more