Patient/caregiver was educated on findings to watch for and report in individuals with history of iron deficiency anemia as follows:
- Chest pain and discomfort: Heart muscle is highly dependent on oxygen supply for normal function. Anemia can result in reduced supply of oxygenated blood to vital organs, such as, heart. This can result in increased workload on heart muscle, leading to episodes of chest pain and discomfort. Keep a close watch and report to your physician regarding any chest pain and/or discomfort, how insignificant it may be.
- Arrhythmia: Compromised oxygen supply to the heart muscle can result in palpitations and arrhythmias. 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.
- Fatigue and listlessness: Compromised oxygen supply to the muscle tissue in anemic patients can result in cramping, weakness, fatigue, and exhaustion. Report to your physician regarding any unresolving or deteriorating fatigue and exhaustion.
- Dizziness and confusion: 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, and confusion, which can contribute to increased risk for falls and accidents. Report to your physician regarding any acute increase in confusion and dizziness, with any occurrence of falls and accidents.
