{"id":14279,"date":"2020-03-12T07:44:47","date_gmt":"2020-03-12T07:44:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=14279"},"modified":"2021-05-06T14:05:24","modified_gmt":"2021-05-06T14:05:24","slug":"14-common-symptoms-of-low-hematocrit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-symptoms-of-low-hematocrit\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Symptoms of Low Hematocrit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What does the word \u201chematocrit” mean? Hematocrit (hct) pertains to the percentage of red blood cells to the total volume of blood. It is determined through collected blood samples and by the use of automated machines or by a manual method using a centrifuge wherein a tube of blood is subjected to the machine and the RBC\u2019s will be compacted to the bottom and proportion of it to the total blood volume can then be visually measured. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The normal range for hematocrit differs between genders and is around 45% to 52 % for men and 37% to 48% for women. But what if your hematocrit level dropped to the lower limits? Having low hematocrit is referred to as being anemic that might be due to loss of blood, nutritional deficiency, bone marrow problems, and abnormal hemoglobin. In line with this, let\u2019s tackle the common symptoms you would be experiencing from having anemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Weakness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Weakness <\/a>is a typical complaint and has a wide range of meanings including tiredness, decreased energy to work or even failure to work at all.\u00a0 But weakness caused by anemia refers to the depletion of strength in one or more tissues and muscles that may lead to loss of muscle function when your body does not have enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen, depriving them of energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This may generally affect a certain or group of muscles which can cause trouble in doing your daily routines such as writing or preparing yourself and problems with loss of balance or walking. If you experience this, you may need iron supplementation or if the anemia is severe, you might need to undergo a blood transfusion where you will be receiving blood through an IV line. But anemia often manifests quite lately that breathlessness and muscle fatigue already develops prior to the diagnosis of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n


2<\/strong>. Unusual Tiredness or Fatigue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fatigue <\/a>is one of the most usual symptoms of anemia or iron deficiency and this can be defined as a lack of energy and motivation both physically and mentally. This occurs for your body needs iron to make a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from lungs to the rest of the body and it is found in RBCs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And since your vital organs do not receive enough healthy oxygen-rich blood because there aren\u2019t enough healthy red blood cells, your body is having a hard time producing energy. Moreover, it is more than just feeling sleepy, it is considered as extreme exhaustion that can, later on, will greatly affect your overall health whereas your vital organs will suffer from oxygen loss and impair their function over time, putting your body under strain that immensely impacts your immune system, sleep, blood pressure, and can even impair your cognitive and productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n


3<\/strong>. Paleness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another symptom of having iron deficiency is pale skin and pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids and this is more commonly seen in moderate to severe conditions of anemia. Paleness is described as an unusual lightness of skin color compared with the normal complexion of a person due to reduced blood flow and oxygen<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemoglobin found on red blood cells gives its red color, so having a restricted amount of it makes the blood lighter in color making the skin lose its healthy, rosy color in persons with iron deficiency. This paleness can either appear all over the body or can be limited to certain areas such as the face, gums, inside of the lips, or lower eyelids and even on the nails. Doctors often look for this first as one of the symptoms of having anemia. However, this should be further verified by conducting blood testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n


4<\/strong>. Shortness of Breath<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shortness of breath is defined as the incapability to get enough air to breathe and feeling tightness <\/a>on the chest which can come suddenly or slowly. This may be related to serious diseases and is one of the common symptoms of having low hematocrit or anemia. As hemoglobin is responsible for enabling your red blood cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body, low levels of it during iron deficiency means the inadequate supply of oxygen, especially on your muscles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a consequence, the breathing rate will increase whenever you do normal activities like walking as your body tries to struggle to get more oxygen. In severe cases of anemia, hemoglobin levels may fall to low and diminish the amount of oxygen delivered to all of the tissues resulting in low levels of oxygen to vital organs especially the heart that may cause cardiovascular complications over time.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Headaches and Dizziness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Headache is a very typical condition and it can sometimes be mild, but in most cases, they can cause severe pain and discomfort. Headaches and dizziness could be a sign of anemia <\/a>and it manifests as lightheadedness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This seems to be less common compared to others which are often linked to being diagnosed with anemia. Having iron deficiency means having low levels of hemoglobin contained in red blood cells and because of this, there is an inadequate amount of oxygen reaching the brain resulting in swelling of blood vessels or arteries causing pressure and headaches and this may even lead to fainting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In severe conditions, blood cells can become thick in consistency and form blood clots, draining your blood from your brain. The blood clot causing the blockage can cause blood to back up resulting in distension of the vein walls, inflammation, and leakage of blood to your brain causing headaches.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6.<\/strong> Heart Palpitations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Noticeable heartbeats or heart palpitation<\/a> is defined as the sensation of your heart skipping a beat or adding an extra beat. You may have an experience like your heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sensation can also be felt in the neck, throat, or chest. In the case of suffering from anemia, low levels of hemoglobin mean that the heart has to pump harder to transport oxygen and this can also be a sign that your body is attempting to compensate for its lack of energy through circulating your blood faster to spread all over the hemoglobin available to deliver more oxygen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In severe cases, this can lead to enlarged heart, heart murmur, or heart failure. However, these symptoms are not that common in comparison to other symptoms of iron deficiency. You would have been long diagnosed with anemia without properly addressing it for you to experience this severity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Dry and Damaged Hair and Skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hair loss<\/a> is not only hereditary it can be caused by a lack of nutrients. This can be another symptom that you might be suffering from anemia is experiencing dry and damaged hair and skin but this still often depends on the severity of having low hematocrit levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is due to being iron deficient of your body so the limited supply of hemoglobin and oxygen is distributed to more important functions such as the organs and other body tissues. If the hair and skin are deprived of oxygen, it becomes weak and dry and on some types of anemia, it can cause itchiness and rashes which are abnormalities for the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hair loss can be observed in severe cases of being anemic. It is natural to have some fall during everyday washing and combing, but if it is more than just the normal, it may be due to iron deficiency.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8<\/strong>. Chest Pains<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chest pain<\/a> can be due to different factors or problems and it can manifest in different ways, ranging from a sharp stabbing sensation to a dull ache and sometimes it feels crushing or burning. There are also instances wherein the pain can be felt up to the neck, into the jaw, and then extends to the back or down to one or both arms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This pain and tightness sensation happens when there are no oxygen-rich red blood cells and your heart needs to function much harder to keep up with the nutrients supply that your body requires. In severe cases, when the blood oxygen levels drop so low and it is not diagnosed and treated immediately, the person with anemia might suffer from a heart attack or other serious complications. And because this may indicate a serious problem, seeking immediate help or advice is necessary to prevent or lessen the complication.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. insomnia and Restless Leg Syndrome<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While unusual exhaustion is a common sign of anemia, a contradicting symptom could be insomnia<\/a>. Insomnia refers to the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality of sleep due to several factors. It is a sleep disorder of having difficulty falling or staying asleep. This could be short-term or can last long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers found that being anemic causes restless leg syndrome that causes insomnia. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is described as the uncontrollable urge to move your legs due to an uncomfortable sensation and low hemoglobin levels making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It usually occurs during evening or nighttime hours when you are lying down or even sitting. Moving the legs eases the discomfort for just a short period of time. Moreover, having iron deficiency or low hemoglobin level itself does not cause insomnia but the symptoms of it will contribute to this condition.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. <\/strong> Low Body Temperature<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your body is controlled by various systems. A part of the brain known as the hypothalamus <\/a>serves as the thermostat of the body to regulate your temperature. It signals the body that regulates the heat production or ways to cool down. It also commands the thyroid gland, a crucial part of the regulation, to increase or decrease the metabolic rate. It has to function properly to break down the calories in the body to produce heat and energy through the aid of normal blood flow to spread heat to the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low body temperature may occur due to different factors. Investigation shows that having anemia is the main component of the inability of iron-deficient individuals to regulate body temperature. Being anemic means that your blood does not circulate properly all over your body causing certain parts of your body to become super cold quite often especially on your hands and feet.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11.<\/strong> Difficulty in Focusing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Having difficulty concentrating or focusing on something? It could be due to anemia. Having this does not only affect the red blood cells reproduction but as well as the oxygen transport to other organs in an individual\u2019s body affecting the mood and energy levels. This may cause distraction and gradually reduce one\u2019s performance and judgments become differently-abled causing an individual to feel very forgetful and absent-minded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who are suffering from anemia or iron deficiency can undergo a host of psychological symptoms such as anxiety, irritability<\/a>, depression, and a decrease in cognitive abilities and these cognitive symptoms often contribute to their inability to be self-sufficient. Iron deficiency can contribute to depression due to its connection to dopamine-one of the neurotransmitters in the brain that make us happy because Iron is required for the production of dopamine in the brain. A lack of dopamine can also lead to movement disorders.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12<\/strong>. Malaise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Malaise <\/a>is defined as the general discomfort, illness, or fatigue sensation that has no clear identifiable cause and it may start slowly or quickly based on the type of disease or condition but the reason behind being diagnosed with malaise can be extremely hard to identify because it can be caused by different conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is considered as an unspecified symptom resulting from a wide range of issues and it often occurs with unusual fatigue and the incapability to restore the feeling of good health through enough rest. This can be experienced mildly to severely to the point that it can affect a person\u2019s work productivity, family life, and other relationships. When experiencing this, you will frequently sense exhaustion in addition to the lack of well-being. Moreover, if it is a result of an underlying medical condition, one\u2019s health might be deteriorated and compromised if it is not addressed properly.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Brittle or Spoon-Shaped Fingernails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is a much less common symptom for having iron deficiency known as koilonychia. Koilonychia refers to the concavity in the fingernail itself, and this causes depression in the nail due to various factors and this can be hereditary<\/a>, acquired, or idiopathic. This often begins with brittle nails that chip and crack easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In further stages of iron deficiency, spoon-shaped nails can happen where the middle of the nail dips and the corners are elevated to give it a rounded like appearance that appears to be like a spoon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nail matrix changes due to the blood flow abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, and autoimmune conditions and the most common cause of this is iron deficiency.  However, this is usually seen in severe cases of anemia or a liver condition known as hemochromatosis wherein your body absorbs too much iron from food intake. This can also be associated with heart disease and hypothyroidism.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14.<\/strong> More Frequent infections<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The immune system<\/a> is a complex network of cells and proteins that protects the body from infection. It protects the body from dangerous substances, germs and cell changes that will make you sick. Iron plays an essential role in the normal development of the immune system. Its deficiency greatly affects the capability to have an adequate immune response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of iron for immunity is important for immune cell proliferation, specifically lymphocytes, connected with the generation of a particular response to infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the immune system does not function smoothly due to iron deficiency, there would be no way for us to be protected from the dangerous things that enter our body from the outside environment or even harmful changes that happen inside our body. Our immune system is responsible for recognizing and neutralizing disease-causing germs or pathogens like bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi, and to remove them from our body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\r\n

<\/div>