How Blood Diseases Affect the Body
Blood diseases affect the body in a variety of ways. They are responsible for destroying either red or white blood cells, causing the body to react abnormally. While most cause a deterioration of red blood cells resulting in loss of oxygen flowing through the body, some diseases cause an over-abundance of red blood cells. When white blood cells are attacked, the body loses the ability to fight diseases naturally. When too many white blood cells are produced the body cannot produce enough red blood cells, causing an imbalance.
There are many types of blood diseases that can affect a person’s health. They can occur in anyone and can either be hereditary or acquired later in life. Blood diseases affect red and white blood cells, enzymes, plasma and platelets. They can be mild, or they can be fatal. Symptoms vary depending on the type of disease.
Blood Cholesterol
Blood Cholesterol, although necessary to the functions of the body, can be a deadly problem affecting the heart. When cholesterol builds up it sticks to the walls of the arteries, narrowing the passageway in which blood flows. When the blood flow is restricted, the amount of oxygen traveling through the body decreases. Cholesterol build-up, or plaque, can lead to angina or heart attacks.
Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure can cause serious health problems like eye damage, stroke, heart attack or kidney disease. It is an increased amount of pressure as blood flows through the body. The increased pressure on the arteries can cause severe damage to various organs of the body over time.
Anemia
One of the most common blood diseases is anemia. Anemia causes a reduction in red blood cells which transport oxygen throughout the body. A lack of oxygen affects all the organs of the body and can result in weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, low blood pressure and significant bleeding. There are many types of anemia, including B12 Deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia, idiopathic aplastic anemia and sickle cell.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a blood disease in which the body absorbs high levels of iron from foods, storing it in various organs. The damage the excess iron causes can lead to heart problems, cancer and liver disease. Often, symptoms of hemochromatosis don’t appear until later in life, but some forms can show symptoms at birth.
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a genetic blood disease that renders the blood unable to clot in an effective manor. Clotting factors are proteins that work with platelets to form clots when bleeding occurs. People who have hemophilia are missing most or all of the clotting factors needed to protect them. Hemophilia primarily affects males.
Thrombosis
Thrombosis is a condition in which clots form excessively in blood vessels in an attempt to heal an injury, resulting in the vessels being completely plugged. When blood vessels are blocked and blood flow is restricted, the results can be a stroke or heart attack.
Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia Vera is a disease that causes an overproduction of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It may also produce too many platelets and white blood cells. The increased blood production can cause the blood to thicken. People suffering from polycythemia vera can experience itching, gouty arthritis, peptic ulcers or burning of the hands and feet.
Leukemia
Leukemia is characterized by a high number of white blood cells. The higher amount of white blood cells reduces the amount of blood platelets, affecting the blood’s ability to clot. People with Leukemia have a hard time fighting infections due the body’s lowered immune system caused by immature or dysfunctional white blood cells.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that affects the blood. It is caused when bacteria enters the body through a wound and attacks the organs. Sepsis often targets people with weakened immune systems. The most common areas of the body affected by sepsis are the lungs, the liver, gastrointestinal tract, bed sores or wounds.
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