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Initial symptoms of hb level decrease

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NHLBI anemia signs symptoms fatigue weakness dizziness shortness of breath

A falling hemoglobin (Hb) level may cause no symptoms at first, especially if it drops slowly.
Early symptoms can include:
  • Tiredness or reduced stamina
  • Weakness
  • Feeling light-headed or dizzy, especially when standing
  • Shortness of breath on exertion, such as climbing stairs
  • Headache
  • Paler-than-usual skin, lips, or inner eyelids
  • Fast heartbeat or palpitations
  • Cold hands and feet
Symptoms occur because reduced Hb means less oxygen reaches tissues. A rapid fall in Hb, such as from bleeding, can cause symptoms much sooner and be more dangerous than a gradual fall. NHLBI overview lists fatigue, weakness, breathlessness, dizziness, headache, and irregular heartbeat among common manifestations.
Seek urgent medical care now for chest pain, fainting, breathlessness at rest, confusion, a very fast heartbeat, vomiting blood, black/tarry stools, heavy bleeding, or suspected internal bleeding.
A CBC, repeat Hb, and tests for causes such as iron deficiency or blood loss are needed to determine why it is decreasing.
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