8 Early Warning Signs of Anemia You Really Shouldn’t Ignore

3. Shortness of Breath

When your blood carries less oxygen, your body compensates by making you breathe faster and more frequently.

Symptoms:

• Feeling out of breath even after light activity
• Difficulty catching your breath when climbing stairs
• Feeling dizzy when standing up

Tip: This symptom should never be ignored, especially if combined with chest pain or rapid heartbeat.

4. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat

The heart must pump harder to supply oxygen to the body when hemoglobin is low, leading to palpitations or an irregular rhythm.

Warning: Chronic anemia can lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure if left untreated.

5. Frequent Headaches or Dizziness

Oxygen deprivation can cause headaches, lightheadedness, or even fainting spells.

Tip: If headaches are new and persistent, request a full blood count to rule out anemia as an underlying cause.

6. Cold Hands and Feet

Poor circulation caused by anemia can make your extremities feel unusually cold.

Why It Happens: When oxygen levels are low, blood is directed to vital organs, leaving the hands and feet with reduced circulation.

7. Brittle Nails and Hair Loss

Anemia affects the health of your nails and hair because both rely on oxygen and nutrients to grow.

Symptoms:

• Nails that break easily or become spoon-shaped (concave)
• Increased hair shedding or thinning