Anemia
A condition in which there is a reduction in the number of circulating red blood cells or hemoglobin within the red blood cells, thus reducing the body’s ability to carry oxygen. There are many causes of anemia including iron and other nutritional deficiencies, hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), loss of bone marrow function (as seen in leukemia, aplastic anemia, etc.), and blood loss. Types of anemia include hemolytic, pernicious, microcytic, and sickle cell.
Online Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Online Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Date Last Reviewed: 10/4/2009