Patient was educated on signs and symptoms of folate as follows:
- Folate is required for normal maturation of red blood cells in the human body. Mature red blood cells in circulation help pick up oxygen from the lungs, transport oxygen, and deliver it to the various body tissues.
- Deficiency of folate can result in compromised and incomplete maturation of red blood cells. This can result in immature red cells in blood circulation that are poorly functional, in comparison to the mature red blood cells. Also, immature red blood cells are short-lived and do not survive for the length of time that normal mature red blood cells do. This can result in poor oxygen transport by red blood cells, reduced count of red blood cells, and anemia.
- Anemic patients with low red blood cell count present with deficient oxygen and nutrient transport to all the body tissues. The major symptoms of anemia arise from deficient transport of oxygen and nutrients by red blood cells and consequent compromised function of various body tissues.
- Folate is also needed for synthesis and repair of DNA, which is very important for healthy cellular growth and division. Deficiency of folate can inhibit DNA synthesis and thereby, slow down the cell growth and division in all tissues of the body, especially the skin and nervous tissues.
Consequently, patients can present with the following signs and symptoms.
- Rapid heartbeat: Deficient oxygen supply to vital organs in anemia can compromise their function. So, in the initial stages, the heart can try to compensate, by overworking and beating faster. By doing this, the heart tries to pump more blood and thereby, supply needed oxygen and nutrients to the vital organs that are compromised. This overworking of heart can only be a temporary and short-lived response though.
- Arrhythmia: Compromised oxygen supply to the heart muscle can result in palpitations and worsening arrhythmias, with fluttering in the chest, racing or abnormally slow heartbeat, poorly felt pulse, dizziness, any episodes of loss of consciousness, chest pain and/or discomfort, and episodes of fainting.
- Fatigue and listlessness: Compromised oxygen supply to the muscle tissue can result in cramping, weakness, fatigue, and exhaustion.
- Dizziness and difficulty concentrating: Brain and nervous tissues are highly dependent on oxygen supply for their normal function. Reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain in anemic individuals, can result in headache, dizziness, slowing of thought process, confusion, and depression.
