Patient was educated on life-style measures for individuals with history of Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia as follows:
- Compromised oxygen supply to the heart muscle in B12 deficient patients can result increased workload on the heart and lead to chest pain/discomfort, rapid heartbeat, palpitations and arrhythmias. B12 deficient individuals with history of coexisting arrhythmia can be at increased risk for presentation with worsening arrhythmia. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any new or worsening signs and symptoms of arrhythmia, such as, 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 fainting. Report to your physician regarding any chest pain and/or discomfort, how insignificant it may be.
- Vitamin B12 helps with the body metabolism of dietary carbohydrates, fats, and protein and energy production. Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in compromised body metabolism with consequent symptoms. Individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency must report to the physician regarding any symptoms of diminishing metabolism, such as, worsening fatigue, listlessness, reduced appetite, unusual weight gain, severe dry skin, hair loss, and worsening depression.
- Poor DNA synthesis involving the brain and nervous tissues, secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency, can result in dementia, depression, and neuropathy. Report to your physician regarding any new or worsening neurological complaints, such as, increasing forgetfulness, slowing of thought process, inability to concentrate, fatigue, irritability, tingling and numbness of hands and feet, altered sensitivity to touch and temperature, radiating burning sensation in extremities, poor coordination and balance, and increased risk for falls & accidents. Individuals with neuropathy must observe compliance with smoking cessation, if applicable.
