Anemia is the medical term for a condition that affects oxygen levels in your blood. If you lack the proper amount of red blood cells that are healthy in your system, the correct amount of oxygen can't reach various tissues in your body. Anemia can take many forms, and can range in severity and duration. Treatments for the condition include medical procedures and supplements to restore the blood's balance. Anemia can be a sign of serious medical problems.
Fatigue
The Mayo Clinic says there are many potential causes for feeling fatigued, but it's a classic symptom of anemia. Fatigue can make you feel as if you have done strenuous exercise or work, even when you haven't. You may experience weakness throughout your body with anemia because the cells of your body aren't getting enough oxygen to give you a normal level of energy.
Heart Problems
Your heart may not beat normally when you have anemia. It may pump at a much faster rate than usual, a condition called tachycardia. Typically, if you're a healthy adult, your heart beats from 60 to 100 times a minute. That rate is for an at-rest posture, not for exercising or other exertion. If your heart's beating faster than 100 times each minute, that is tachycardia. This condition makes your heart work harder than it should, a serious condition. An arrhythmia or irregular heart rate also is a symptom of anemia. You also may feel pain in your chest as a symptom.
Mental Problems
If not enough oxygen is getting to your brain because of anemia, you may find you have problems with the processes of your brain. For example, you may get confused or forgetful. You may have trouble concentrating on everyday tasks such as driving or reading. You may not be able to think at your normal level.
Other Symptoms
Anemia can create other symptoms throughout your body, too, all associated with a decreased level of oxygen in your blood. You may notice such things as feeling cold in your hands and feet. Your skin may be lighter than normal, too, because paleness can result from an insufficient red blood supply. The reduced oxygen levels can give you a headache and cause you to feel short of breath. You also may feel dizzy.
