Definition: Anemia is a lack of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin. Severe cases of anemia have been associated with an enlarged heart, cardiomyopathy and other heart-related conditions.

Symptoms: Common symptoms of anemia include constant tiredness, weakness, paleness and shortness of breath. These symptoms result from a lack of oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other areas of the body. In some cases, patients may also show heart-related signs or symptoms such as: irregular heart rhythm, heart murmur, and chest pain.

When diagnosing anemia, the first step that a physician will take is to ask the patient about his/her personal and family medical history. The physician will then give the patient a complete physical examination, listening for a heart murmur or other possible signs of anemia. The next step is to run a number of blood tests. The iron level is the most important factor to be tested.

Eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet can help prevent the most common forms of anemia. Other types of anemia are present since birth, or develop for unknown reasons, and have no known prevention strategies.

A popular misconception is that people who have anemia should simply take iron supplements. Iron supplements should be avoided unless prescribed by a physician, because an excess level of iron could damage the heart or other vital organs. Most forms of anemia can be successfully treated with supplements, injections of specific vitamins and/or increased intake of nutrient-rich foods. There are over 30 different types of anemia, including sickle cell anemia, and not all of them are treated in the same way.

Heart healthy is important of your body.