Anemia-Types & Causes

Anemia is a lower than normal number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood, usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the red pigment in red blood cells that transports oxygen.
Anemia can be confirmed by a red blood count or hemoglobin level.
There are many types and potential causes of anemia:

Anemia - B12 deficiency
Anemia - folate deficiency
Anemia - iron deficiency
Anemia due to chronic disease Hemolytic
Pernicious anemia
Secondary aplastic anemia
Sickle cell anemia

Certain chronic infections and inflammatory diseases cause several changes in the blood production (hematopoietic) system. These include a slightly shortened red blood cell life span and an isolation of iron in inflammatory cells (macrophages) that result in a decrease in the amount of iron available to make red blood cells. In the presence of these effects, a low-to-moderate grade anemia develops. The symptoms of the anemia may go unnoticed in the face of the primary disease.

with the type of anemia it causes varies. Potential causes include blood loss, nutritional deficits, many diseases, medication reactions, and various problems with the bone marrow. Iron deficiency anemia is most common in women who have heavy menstrual periods.
anemia can cause low oxygen levels in vital organs such as the heart and can lead to heart attack.