Low Iron Levels In Blood Risky In Developing Blood Clots

According to a new research published in the journal Thorax, people with low levels of iron are more at risk of developing blood clots. Treating iron deficiency anemia is important to prevent the development of life-threatening blood clots.

In the United Kingdom, an estimated 1,000 people are affected with deep vein thrombosis every year. This condition is very painful and can cause swelling on the affected area which is usually the lower extremities like the legs and feet. Blood clots that form deep in the veins may become dislodged and travel to the blood vessels, to the lungs, heart and may also travel to the brain causing severe brain damage.

Aside from iron deficiency anemia, other risk factors that make a person susceptible to blood clots are a hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectaisa or HHT. This is a genetic blood disease which is characterized by excessive bleeding from the mucus membranes of the nose and also in the gut. People who have HHT are more susceptible to develop blood clots as compared to most blood disorders with the main reason for this condition still unclear. Studies are also geared towards the possible link of iron levels and blood clots in many other blood diseases. It is seen also as a coping mechanism of the body to increase clotting time for people who have blood disorders like anemia and HHT to prevent further blood loss.

This study was supported by the Imperial Comprehensive Biomedical Research Center with a grant from the National Institute of Health Research.

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