Symptom 5. Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Anemia’s Disorienting Effects
Anemia can have disconcerting effects on your equilibrium, leading to frequent episodes of dizziness or lightheadedness. These symptoms occur because the brain isn’t receiving an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood, affecting its ability to regulate balance.
You might experience a sensation of unsteadiness, a feeling as if the room is spinning around you, or a tendency to lose balance. These symptoms can become particularly pronounced when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension.
Dizziness and lightheadedness can be extremely disruptive to daily life, affecting your ability to move freely and confidently. It can also increase the risk of falls and related injuries, particularly in older adults.
Despite their disorienting nature, dizziness and lightheadedness can be tricky symptoms. They are common to many health conditions, not just anemia. (5)
