What is a common complication due to severe anemia?

Severe anemia significantly reduces the number of red blood cells available to transport oxygen throughout the body. In response to this reduced oxygen capacity, the heart must work harder to compensate for the lack of oxygen-carrying capacity. This increased workload can lead to heart failure over time, especially in individuals who may already have compromised cardiac function or underlying heart conditions. The heart attempts to pump more blood to meet the oxygen demands of the tissues, which can ultimately lead to structural changes in the heart and result in heart failure—a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

The relationship between severe anemia and heart failure underscores the importance of maintaining sufficient hemoglobin levels to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to tissues and prevent excessive strain on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, heart failure is considered a common complication arising from severe anemia.