Anemia is a condition in which patients lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to body tissues, according to MayoClinic.com. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-rich protein contained in red blood cells.. Iron deficiency anemia can cause low levels of vitamin D. Patients with anemia should also be screened for vitamin D deficiency and be given vitamin D supplements. Patients with anemia experience several symptoms.
Cardiovascular Symptoms
Anemia causes cardiovascular symptoms such as fast irregular heart beat, chest pain, low blood pressure, cold hands and feet, paleness and palpitations, according to National Anemia Action Council. Patients with anemia experience chest pain due to lack of oxygen rich blood in the heart muscles. A heart that does not receive oxygen rich blood pumps blood slowly to the body and patients may begin to experience cold hands and feet and paleness due to reduced blood flow. Severe anemia leads to heart attack and heart failure.
Nervous System Symptoms
Patients with anemia may experience fatigue, headaches, problems concentrating, dizziness and fainting. Patients with anemia experience fatigue because body tissues lack oxygen rich blood that is important for the production of energy. Patients may also experience dizziness and fainting upon standing due to low blood pressure. There is also reduced blood flow to the brain and patients often experience problems concentrating.
Respiratory System Symptoms
Patients with anemia experience rapid breathing and shortness of breath especially during exercise, according to MayoClinic.com. Fast breathing occurs as patients try to gasp for more air to oxygenate the body. Shortness of breath is caused by lack of enough oxygen in the lungs.
