There are several symptoms that are commonly associated with anemia but are sometimes a bit difficult to quantify as the severity to which these symptoms are present is directly related to the severity of the anemia, so mild anemia is sometimes hard to diagnose due to the mild symptoms. The most common symptoms that are associated with anemia include: • Fatigue • General weakness • Lightheadedness or dizziness • Cold hands and feet • Shortness of breath • Irregular heartbeat • Headaches • Skin that is paler or tinted a bit yellow (easier to distinguish on those with lighter skin tones) The symptoms that are most often the reason that patients initially bring them to their physician and warrant a blood test include unexplainable fatigue and shortness of breath.