Overview

Sickle cell anemia is the most severe type of sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder. In sickle cell anemia, you inherit a genetic mutation (change) that causes abnormal C-shaped or sickle-shaped red blood cells. Healthcare providers may call these cells “sickled cells.”

Normal red blood cells are round flexible disks. They slide through your blood vessels, carrying oxygen to your organs and tissues. Sickled cells are stiff and sticky and get stuck in your blood vessels instead of flowing throughout your body. Sickled cells also break apart and die more quickly than normal red blood cells. As a result, sickle cell anemia affects your red blood cell supply, so you develop severe anemia (low red blood cell levels).

Complications of sickle cell anemia can be life-threatening. In the past, babies born with this condition rarely lived to be adults. Now, thanks to early detection and new treatments, more people live into their 50s.

How common is sickle cell anemia?

Experts estimate that sickle cell anemia affects at least 100,000 people in the U.S. It affects more people who are Black than people who are white. Experts estimate that 1 in 365 people who are Black carry the genetic mutation that causes the condition. It may also affect people with southern European, Middle Eastern or Asian Indian ancestry.

Products & Services
A Book: Future Care

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment


Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


Print

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.

Heart Rhythm Conditions Discussions

See more discussions

Comments are closed for this post.