Can long-term anemia cause high blood pressure?
Generally, long-term anemia does not directly cause high blood pressure. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Anemia refers to a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells in the blood, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to body tissues. It primarily results in reduced hemoglobin concentration, impairing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. As a result, the heart may need to pump more blood to compensate for the inadequate oxygen supply, which can lead to an increased heart rate, but does not directly cause elevated blood pressure. Common symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, reduced exercise tolerance, and loss of appetite.
Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels. Its regulation is influenced by multiple factors, including cardiac function, vascular resistance, and blood volume. Anemia mainly affects the blood's ability to carry oxygen, rather than directly altering these regulatory factors. Therefore, it generally does not directly lead to high blood pressure.