What are the complications of blood disorders?

What are the complications of blood disorders?

• Anemia: If your anemia is not treated, it could lead to an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), an enlarged heart or heart failure. You are also at greater risk of getting infections and becoming depressed.
• Clotting disorders: People with clotting disorders have a higher risk of developing blood clots in the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart (arteries) and the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart (veins). Blood clots in the arteries can increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, severe leg pain, difficulty walking or even the loss of a limb. Blood clots in the veins can travel through the bloodstream and cause partially or completely block veins deep inside the body (deep vein thrombosis) or a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• Hemophilia: Some people with hemophilia develop inhibitors (antibodies) against treatment. This means that the medication you take to stop bleeding may not work. You will need to take care to avoid injury. Hemophilia can also lead to joint damage and arthritis pain.
• Sickle cell anemia: Sickle cell complications begin early and continue throughout life. You may have an acute pain crisis or chronic pain, lung damage, neurologic problems or vision loss. You are also at increased risk of developing blood clots that can partially or completely block the veins deep in your body (deep vein thrombosis) or blood clots in your lungs (pulmonary embolism). Pregnant women with sickle cell disease are at higher risk for high blood pressure, blood clots, miscarriage, low birth weight and premature birth. Men with sickle cell disease may develop a condition that happens when deformed cells block flow out of an erect penis (priapism). The penis may stay erect for long periods of time, causing pain and sometimes impotence.
• Thrombocytopenia: You are at risk for significant internal and external blood loss (hemorrhage). Internal bleeding into the digestive tract or brain (intracranial hemorrhage) can be life-threatening. If you’ve had your spleen removed, you are also more likely to get infections. You should be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about taking your medications and getting vaccinated.
• Von Willebrand disease: Women are more likely than men to experience complications from von Willebrand disease. Abnormal bleeding can cause problems in menstrual cycles and after childbirth. It can hurt a lot if you have bleeding in the joints or soft tissues. In some cases, without treatment, excessive bleeding can lead to death.