Patient/caregiver was educated on life-style measures to be observed by individuals with history of iron deficiency anemia as follows:
- Low iron content and reduced oxygen pick-up in anemic individuals lead to deficient oxygen supply to all vital organs, resulting in dyspnea and compromised endurance. Report to your physician regarding any worsening of or exacerbation of SOB and oxygen saturations consistently below 90. Oxygen dependent individuals must report any need for increase in oxygen requirements.
- Compromised oxygen supply to the heart muscle in anemic patients can result increased workload on the heart and lead to chest pain/discomfort, rapid heartbeat, palpitations and arrhythmias. In severe cases of iron deficiency, this can even lead to enlargement of heart, cardiomyopathy, ineffective contractions of the heart muscle and heart failure. Iron 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. Iron deficient individuals with history of coexisting heart failure can be at increased risk for presentation with worsening heart failure symptoms of pedal edema and worsening SOB, which must be reported to the physician. Also, report to your physician regarding any chest pain and/or discomfort, how insignificant it may be.
- 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 increased confusion, frequency of dizzy episodes, muscle pain, fatigue, and reduced endurance to activity, thus contributing to falls and accidents. Observe compliance with use of assistive device for fall and accident prevention. Seek therapy assistance for planned and safe execution of activities. Always, seek for caregiver assistance, as needed.
- Optimum oxygen delivery is important for normal function of body tissues and their ability to fight infections. Low oxygen delivery to tissues in iron deficient patients leads to compromised function of the tissues and increased susceptibility for infections. Observe compliance with general infection control & prevention measures.
