Anemia and Risk for Iron Overload

A common condition in people with too little iron, anemia (or iron deficiency) happens when there's not enough hemoglobin (a molecule that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues throughout the body) inside the red blood cells.

Anemia can happen in anyone, including men and women. It's most common in women of child-bearing age, older adults, and infants younger than 2 years of age. And it can be brought on by traumatic blood loss, chronic diseases, excessive blood cell destruction (hemolysis), or when the body does not produce enough blood cells (hematopoiesis). In addition, alcoholism, various diseases, too much lead in the body, parasites, and certain medications can cause anemia.

Despite the cause and depending on its severity, anemia can cause serious health problems. For example, people with mild or moderate anemia often feel weak or extremely tired overall. They also can have difficulty breathing or an irregular heart beat. More severe anemia is sometimes accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain, which can be a sign of heart damage and can lead to heart failure. Also, very severe anemia can lead to palpitations and heart failure. Other symptoms can include pale skin, cracks in the skin (ulcers) around the lips, and brittle finger- and toenails (fragile and break frequently). It can also become difficult and painful to swallow. In infants and children, anemia can cause neurological damage and behavioral problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

People with anemia are sometimes treated with blood transfusions to stay healthy. Although blood transfusions add normal red blood cells, they also add extra iron that the body does not get rid of on its own. As few as 10 blood transfusions can overload the body with iron, increasing the risk of problems from too much iron. It's important to remember that people can have iron overload and still be anemic.

You can take steps to prevent and manage iron overload.The good news is that a simple blood test called a serum ferritin test can help you find out if you have iron overload. Ask your doctor if the serum ferritin test is right for you. Then be sure to talk with your doctor about iron overload, your risk, screening and diagnosis, and how to manage iron overload.

If you continue to have blood transfusions, remember that it's important to stay on track with monitoring to be sure your iron levels are where they should be. Ask your doctor when you should be tested to find out if your iron levels have changed.