Your Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Dizziness and blurred vision?

Hello Doctor: Below are my blood test results.
Please evaluate what type of anemia I have: RBC—5.76, Hb 9.6, Hct 32.2, MCV 61.2, MCH 20.2, MCHC 32.9, PLT 318, RDW-SD 36, RDW-CV 17.6.
My hemoglobin levels sometimes fluctuate between the low 10s and the 9s.
Could you please tell me what type of anemia I have? I often experience dizziness and blurred vision; can I take iron supplements? (I heard that people with thalassemia should not take iron supplements.) I also have mitral valve prolapse, regurgitation, and quite a bit of floaters in my vision.
Could these conditions be causing my daily dizziness and fatigue? Thank you for your time, Doctor.

Coco, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/09

Dr. Huang Xunying reply Family Medicine

Due to the severity of the anemia, it is recommended to directly follow up with a hematologist or a family medicine physician.
There is a possibility of thalassemia combined with iron deficiency anemia.
Therefore, please seek medical attention.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2018/12/09

More Info

Based on your blood test results, it appears that you are experiencing anemia, characterized by a low hemoglobin (Hb) level of 9.6 g/dL and a low hematocrit (Hct) of 32.2%. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 61.2 fL indicates that your red blood cells (RBCs) are smaller than average, which is a sign of microcytic anemia. This type of anemia is often associated with iron deficiency or thalassemia, including conditions like beta-thalassemia or alpha-thalassemia, which are common in certain populations.

Your symptoms of dizziness and fatigue are consistent with anemia, as the body is not receiving enough oxygen due to the reduced number of red blood cells or their impaired function. The variability in your hemoglobin levels, sometimes reaching over 10 g/dL, suggests that your anemia may not be stable and could be influenced by various factors, including your diet, hydration status, or underlying health conditions.

Regarding the use of iron supplements, it is crucial to determine the underlying cause of your anemia before starting any treatment. If your anemia is due to iron deficiency, iron supplements can be beneficial. However, if you have a condition like thalassemia or another type of anemia that does not respond to iron, taking iron supplements could lead to iron overload, which can be harmful. Given your mention of having mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation, along with symptoms of fatigue and dizziness, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

Your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, such as a reticulocyte count, iron studies (serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity), and possibly hemoglobin electrophoresis to differentiate between types of anemia. These tests will help clarify whether you have iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, or another type of anemia.

In the meantime, it is advisable to focus on a balanced diet rich in iron, which includes foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals. Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, so consider including fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C alongside your iron-rich foods.

As for your symptoms of dizziness and fatigue, they could also be related to your heart condition. Mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation can lead to decreased cardiac output, which may contribute to feelings of fatigue and dizziness, especially during physical activity. It's essential to monitor these symptoms closely and discuss them with your healthcare provider, who may recommend further evaluation or adjustments to your treatment plan.

In summary, while your blood test results indicate anemia, determining the specific type and cause is crucial for appropriate management. Please consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plan.

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