Anemia Center - Alexandria, VAAlexandria Hematologist Doctors for AnemiaType of Physician: Hematologist What is a Hematologist? A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine or Pathology; Hematologists treat diseases of the blood, spleen, and lymph glands such as anemia, clotting disorders, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, leukemia, and lymphoma. They perform special types of transfusions and biopsy the bone marrow for analysis. Specialty: Hematology Common Name: Blood Doctor Hematologist Doctors in Alexandria * Virginia Cancer Institute Alexandria, VirginiaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-09
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AnemiaWhat is anemia?Anemia is a medical condition in which the red blood cell count or hemoglobin is less than normal. The normal level of hemoglobin is generally different in males and females. For men, anemia is typically defined as hemoglobin level of less than 13.5 gram/100ml and in women as hemoglobin of less than 12.0 gram/100ml. These definitions may vary slightly depending on the source and the laboratory reference used.
What causes anemia?Any process that can disrupt the normal life span of a red blood cell may cause anemia. Normal life span of a red blood cell is typically around 120 days. Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Anemia is caused essentially through two basic pathways. Anemia is either caused:
As more common classifications of anemia (low hemoglobin) is based on the MCV, or the volume of individual red blood cells.
Looking at each of the components of a complete blood count (CBC), especially the MCV, a physician can gather clues as what may be the most common reason for anemia.
Can not enough iron cause anemia?Absolutely! This is because iron is major component of hemoglobin and essential for its proper function. Chronic blood loss due to any reason is the main cause of low iron level in the body as it depletes the body's iron stores to compensate for the ongoing loss of iron. Anemia that is due to l... Recommended Reading Related to AnemiaWhat is orthostatic hypotension?When a person stands up from sitting or lying down, the body must work to adjust to that change in position. It is especially important for the body to push blood upward and supply the brain with oxygen. If the body fails to do this adequately, blood pressure falls, and a person may feel lightheaded or even pass out. Orthostatic hypotension is the term used to describe the fall in blood pressure when a person stands (orthostatic= upright posture of the body; hypo= less + tension=pressure). Adequate blood supply to the body's organs depends upon three factors:
When the body changes position, a variety of actions occur involving all parts of the cardiovascular system as well as the autonomic nervous system that helps regulat... Other Related Anemia ArticlesEmergency Contact for Alexandria
Nearby Alexandria Hospitals *The Specialty Hospital of Washington-Hadley  Inova Alexandria Hospital  Saint Elizabeth's Hospital  Inova Mount Vernon Hospital  Fort Washington Hospital  The Specialty Hospital of Washington  The George Washington University Hospital  Virginia Hospital Center  Dominion Hospital  Georgetown University Hospital  Howard University Hospital  United Medical Center  Children's National Medical Center  National Rehabilitation Hospital  Washington DC VA Medical Center  Washington Hospital Center  Sibley Memorial Hospital  Southern Maryland Hospital Center  Psychiatric Institute of Washington  The HSC Pediatric Center  Providence Hospital  Inova Fairfax Hospital  Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children  Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute  Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital  Prince George's Hospital Center  Walter Reed Army Medical Center  Washington Adventist Hospital  National Institutes of Health  Holy Cross Hospital  Suburban Hospital  Doctors Community Hospital  Potomac Hospital  Inova Fair Oaks Hospital  Civista Medical Center  Reston Hospital Center  Laurel Regional Hospital  Shady Grove Adventist Hospital  Adventist Rehabilitation Hospital of Maryland  Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health Adventist HealthCare  Prince William Hospital  Montgomery General Hospital  Calvert Memorial Hospital  Howard County General Hospital  Inova Loudoun Hospital Center  Anne Arundel Medical Center  Baltimore Washington Medical Center  Sheppard Pratt at Ellicott City Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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