Blood/Circulatory System

How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?

Physicians use a variety of techniques to diagnose the severity of varicose veins. A simple test called the Trendelenburg test, in which the leg is raised above the level of the heart at a 45 degree angle until the veins are emptied, then quickly lowered. When you stand up, varicose veins, if present, become distended […]

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What Complications Can Varicose Veins Cause?

In most cases, varicose veins cause few symptoms, however, occasionally, they may cause complications associated with the condition. Bleeding Phlebitis Leg ulcers Bleeding The thin-walled varicose veins protrude just under the skin. Bumping or scratching a large varicose vein may cause severe bleeding. Varicose veins bleed more than healthy veins because of abnormally high pressure

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What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are veins that have become wider and twisted due to a defect in the valves in the vein. These valves normally prevent the backflow of blood in the vein. Since the valves that prevent the backflow of blood in a section of the vein are not working normally, blood pools along  the vein,

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What is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition in which the blood does not supply the body with enough oxygen.  This is because, in anemia, either the number of red blood cells circulating in the body is lower than normal  or the levels of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells fall below normal.  If hemoglobin and/or red blood cell levels

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What Causes Anemia?

There are three general causes of anemia: Decreased red cell production by the bone marrow Increased red cell destruction, or hemolysis Blood loss from heavy menstrual periods or internal bleeding When you’re anemic, your body either produces too few healthy red blood cells, or destroys them faster than they can be replaced or loses too many of

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What Are The Symptoms Of Anemia?

A person with anemia will feel tired and weak. That’s because the body’s tissues are not getting enough oxygen. In fact, fatigue is the main symptom. The severity of symptoms is in part related to how severe the anemia is. Mild cases can occur without symptoms and may be detected only during a medical exam

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The Different Kinds Of Anemia

There are different kinds of anemia. Some forms of this condition are inherited, while others are brought on by poor nutrition. Iron Deficiency Anemia The body needs iron to produce the hemoglobin necessary for red blood cell production. In general, most people need just 1 milligram of iron daily. Menstruating women need double that dose.

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How Is Anemia Diagnosed?

Anemia can be detected by a simple blood test. Most causes can be diagnosed by analysis of blood samples and by examination of the blood cells under a microscope. A complete blood count test is always performed. The red blood cells and their iron-bearing protein, hemoglobin, are measured. The percentage of red blood cells in

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How Is Anemia Treated?

The treatment for anemia depends on the type and cause. Iron deficiency anemia is treated with iron (ferrous sulphate) supplements, initially taken three times a day. If nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation occur, the medication may be taken with a little bit of food. Treatment should be continued for three to six months in order

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Frequently Asked Questions: Anemia

Here are some frequently asked questions related to anemia. Q: What is the most common form of anemia? A: By far, the most common form of anemia worldwide is iron deficiency anemia. Q: How many different kinds of anemia are there? A: There are close to 100 different varieties of anemia. Q: How does drinking an excessive

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Putting It All Together: Anemia

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to anemia. Anemia affects about 3.5 million Americans, making it the most common blood disorder in the U.S. Anemia is the result of below-normal levels of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. There are many different kinds of anemia ranging from mild and easily treatable iron

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