Definition Anemia is defined as a decrease in the circulating RBC mass and a corresponding decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. They can be altered by the plasmatic volumes. Diference between women and men values are due to androgen hormones. The clinical manifestations vary with the age, degree and rapidity of onset, presence of subjacent illness and other factors.
Mild anemia are often assymptomatic.
Dizziness, headache, syncope, tinnitus or vertigo, irritability, difficulty sleeping or concentrating are more frequent in severe chronic anemia. In old people, angina pectoris can be an important clinical manifestation. Females commonly develop abnormal menstruation, both amenorrhea and increased bleeding. Males can develop decrease in libido and impotence. The main consequence of anemia is tissue hypoxia.