LOW HEMOGLOBIN: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND TREATMENTS - GEOGRAFÍA - 2025

The hemoglobin low means that the body has the ability to carry oxygen as efficiently as it should. Hemoglobin is a very important part of blood cells; It is a protein rich in iron that works by carrying oxygen that is breathed throughout the body, so it is essential to maintain a healthy body.

A low hemoglobin count causes the body to have less energy, lowers its immunity, and can lead to serious health problems. The hemoglobin range can be tested with a simple blood test, with the normal being 14 to 18 gm / dl for men and 12 to 16 gm / dl for women (although it is slightly reduced when pregnant).

Hemoglobin molecule

However, for some people low hemoglobin is normal, while for others, it can be a sign of a serious problem. It is important to know the cause of low hemoglobin counts.

Causes of low hemoglobin counts

Normal low levels

As previously mentioned, it is quite common for women to experience a low hemoglobin count during pregnancy. Other people may also experience it as a natural way of life if that is how their body works. The low counts in these cases should not be alarming.

Conditions and diseases that cause fewer normal red blood cells

Certain conditions can cause fewer red blood cells, which can lead to a low hemoglobin count. Some of these are: cancer, cirrhosis, lead poisoning, and kidney disease.

Conditions and diseases that destroy red blood cells

Conditions such as sickle cell anemia, an enlarged spleen, and vasculitis can destroy red blood cells quickly and lead to low hemoglobin.

Lack of iron

Iron is necessary to create hemoglobin, so if more iron is needed, the hemoglobin counts are probably low. This is the most common cause of anemia.

Loss of blood

Losing large amounts of blood can easily lead to low hemoglobin, as well as being perhaps a warning sign of internal blood loss.

Vitamin deficiency

If you are not getting enough vitamins B12, vitamin C, or folic acid, your hemoglobin levels may drop, as these help your body make red blood cells.

Blood disorders

Some conditions, such as certain types of cancer, can lead to low hemoglobin. These blood disorders mean that the bone marrow may not make red blood cells fast enough.

Possible diseases

Blood smear from a patient with low hemoglobin. Rjgalindo

Diseases and conditions that cause the body to make fewer red blood cells than normal:

1. Aplastic anemia
2. Cancer
3. Certain medications, such as antiretroviral drugs for HIV infection and chemotherapy drugs for cancer and other conditions
4. Cirrhosis
5. Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease)
6. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
7. iron deficiency anemia
8. Chronic kidney disease
9. Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
10. Leukemia
11. Multiple myeloma
12. Myelodysplastic syndromes
13. Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
14. Vitamin deficiency anemia

Diseases and conditions that cause the body to destroy red blood cells faster:

1. Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
2. Porphyria
3. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
4. Thalassemia
5. Vasculitis
6. Hemolysis

Low hemoglobin from blood loss:

1. Bleeding from a wound
2. Bleeding in the digestive tract, such as ulcers, cancers, or hemorrhoids
3. Bleeding in the urinary tract
4. Frequent blood donation
5. Heavy menstrual bleeding

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the causes, however there are some general symptoms such as feeling very tired, having a faster heart rate than usual, lack of energy, pale skin and gums.

Treatment

Low hemoglobin count only deserves treatment when it takes the form of the disease called anemia, and treatment for anemia varies depending on the cause: iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, aplastic anemia, chronic disease, bone marrow disease, and hemolytic anemia. are the various types of this condition.

Treatment for iron deficiency anemia is following a doctor-prescribed diet and supplementation with iron. If the blood loss is causing the iron deficiency (assuming it is not from menstruation), the doctor will look for the cause of the bleeding to stop it, and may resort to surgery if necessary.

Vitamin C and folic acid deficiency lead to anemia, which may require supplemental treatment in addition to dietary alterations.

The anemia of chronic disease does not have an established treatment, but requires the remedy for the underlying disease. In the event that symptoms worsen, blood transfusions may be used as a treatment.

Aplastic anemia, if the marrow is no longer able to create healthy blood cells, will possibly require a bone marrow transplant, although sometimes only blood transfusions are needed to increase red blood cell levels.

Treatment of hemolytic anemia requires staying away from medications that may interact improperly, treating concomitant infections, and taking medications that prevent the immune system from attacking red blood cells.

How to increase hemoglobin naturally?

Eat foods rich in iron

According to the National Council for Action Against Anemia, iron deficiency is the most common cause of low hemoglobin levels. Iron is an important element in the production of hemoglobin.

Some iron-based foods include shrimp, liver, red meat, spinach, asparagus, almonds, dates, lentils, fortified breakfast cereals, almonds, oysters, tofu, among others..

Another option is to take an iron supplement, for which you should consult your doctor about the correct dose, since high doses of iron can be harmful to health.

Increase your intake of Vitamin C

Iron cannot be fully absorbed by the body without the help of this vitamin. Low hemoglobin levels due to a deficiency of vitamin C can be corrected by consuming more foods that contain it, such as oranges, kiwi, papaya, lemon, strawberries, broccoli, grapefruit, peppers, tomatoes and spinach.

You can also ask your doctor about taking vitamin C supplements.

Folic acid

Folic acid, a B-complex vitamin, is required to make red blood cells. Therefore, a folic acid deficiency automatically leads to a low hemoglobin level.

Some good food sources of folic acid include green leafy vegetables, liver, sprouts, dried beans, rice, wheat germ, peanuts, bananas, fortified cereals, broccoli, and more.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe a folic acid supplement.

Add beets to the diet

Beetroot is highly recommended for increasing hemoglobin levels because it is rich in iron, folic acid, fiber, and potassium.

You can also prepare a healthy juice once a day with a beet, carrot and / or sweet potato. Combinations may vary.

Eat more apples

An apple a day (if possible, opt for green apples) can help maintain a normal hemoglobin level, as they are rich in iron and other nutrients necessary for a healthy hemoglobin count.

You can also make a glass of juice by mixing an apple and a beetroot, along with a little ginger or lemon juice.

Try pomegranate seeds

Pomegranate has calcium, iron, carbohydrates, and fiber. Its nutritional value can help increase hemoglobin in the blood and promote healthy blood flow.

You can eat a pomegranate or drink a daily glass of pomegranate juice daily with breakfast.

Nettle herb

Nettle is an herb that can increase the level of hemoglobin, because it is a good source of iron, B vitamins, vitamin C, and other vitamins.

To prepare it, add two teaspoons of dried nettle leaves to a cup of hot water, let it harden for 10 minutes, strain it and add a little honey.

Avoid iron blockers

Certain foods can block the body's ability to absorb iron. Some examples of these foods are: coffee, tea, colas, wine, beer, non-prescription antacids, calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, and calcium supplements.

Do aerobic exercise

It is advisable to include some type of exercise in your daily routine. When you exercise, the body produces more hemoglobin to meet the increased demand for oxygen throughout the body.

Moderate to high intensities, such as aerobic exercises, are highly recommended. Some strength training may also be included to increase muscle mass and combat fatigue.

Additional tips

Avoid foods that contain gluten, eat whole grain breads, cereals and pasta, consume foods rich in iron after the menstrual period, avoid taking over-the-counter stimulants if energy levels are low, take cold baths to improve blood circulation.

Heart failure and anemia

Low hemoglobin levels are a predictor of an increased risk of death and complications among heart failure patients, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Studies have shown that low hemoglobin, which can lead to anemia, is more common among patients with heart failure than among people in the general population.

Between 25 and 60 percent of patients with heart failure have anemia, defined as hemoglobin less than 12 grams / deciliter in women and 13 g / dl in men.

Studies have shown that if you have anemia and heart failure, the risk of hospitalization, complications, and death increases appreciably by 30 to 60 percent more.

To study the association between anemia and risk of mortality, the researchers used a database of more than 5,000 patients enrolled in the Valsartan Heart Failure Trial, a study evaluating high blood pressure.

At the beginning of the study, the researchers took a complete blood cell count and repeated these measurements at regular intervals for up to 24 months. Of the patients enrolled in the heart failure study, 23 percent were anemic. Anemic patients tended to be older, develop more diabetes, and have worse heart failure.

The researchers found that the quartile of patients with the largest average Hgb decreases over 12 months (defined as an average decrease of 1.6 g / dL, from 14.2 to 12.6 g / dL) experienced 47% more than hospitalizations and 60% A those in the quartile that showed an insignificant change (0.10 g / dL) in hemoglobin during 12 months.

The researchers report that an increase in Hgb was associated with a 22 percent lower death rate in patients with anemia, compared to 21 percent without anemia, at the beginning of the study.

Patients who had anemia at the start of the study or whose Hgb declined during the study had worse heart failure and an associated elevation of several other risk factors for heart disease, including neurohormones and C-reactive protein.

However, what is not clear is the ideal level of hemoglobin to be achieved in patients with heart failure.

The researchers said that one of the causes that anemia may be related to iron deficiency in heart failure patients is due to malabsorption, nutritional deficiencies and impaired metabolism. Hemodilution (excess fluid retention) can also contribute to anemia in patients with heart failure.

The lifetime risk of developing heart failure for men and women at age 40 is 1 in 5. Between 30 and 60 percent have an increased risk of death and complications due to low hemoglobin.

Researchers still do not know which treatment is the best strategy and what its objectives should be.

When to consult a doctor?

Only your doctor can determine if you have low hemoglobin counts. If the patient is showing signs of low hemoglobin, they should see a doctor.

You should also be careful about shortness of breath, and if it becomes severe, you should not wait for an appointment, but go to an emergency room.

References

1. Mayo Clinic Staff (2015). Low hemoglobin count. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Recovered from mayoclinic.org.
2. New Health Team (2014). Low Hemoglobin. New Health Guide. Recovered from newhealthguide.com.
3. Carole Bullock (2005). Anemia increases risk of death. MNT. Recovered from medicalnewstoday.com.
4. Philippe Connes (2013). Red blood cells in sports. Front Physiol. Recovered from nih.gov.