Anemia Center - Palo Alto, CAPalo Alto 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 Palo Alto * Palo Alto Medical Clinic  Camino Medical Group Treatment Center  David A Pfister MD  UCSF Hematology & Oncology Clinic  Epic Care  Epic Care  Neelesh S Bangalore MD  Monterey VA Clinic  Sutter Gould Medical Foundation Palo Alto, CaliforniaUpcoming Local Events2012-05-20
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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 Palo Alto
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