We do not often pay much attention to the complexity of human blood but it is a lot more than just red fluid flowing through the blood vessels. Within blood is a host of different cells, carrier proteins, nutrients, gases, wastes and toxins. Blood is the medium through which all these different substances travel from one part of the body to another. If any component of blood is lacking or defective then certain essential processes throughout the body will be disrupted. One such problem is anemia.

continue reading Reasons for Common Iron Deficiency Anemia Symptoms

What is hypermagnesemia?

Hypermagnesemia is the medical term for high magnesium levels in the blood. It is an uncommon condition because the kidney is very proficient in getting rid of excess magnesium from the body. Hypermagnesemia is unlikely to occur unless magnesium is being administrated in a person with kidney failure. This may be in the form of supplements or magnesium-containing medication. High levels of magnesium in the body is usually not immediately apparent unless the levels are excessively high. It can lead to severe symptoms and even death if left untreated.

Effects of High Blood Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the essential minerals needed by the body. About half of all magnesium is within the bones and only about 1% is circulating in the bloodstream. Magnesium is needed for various functions throughout the body and is an integral part of homeostasis – the natural balance in the body that maintains health. The kidney is the main organ that regulates the amount of circulating magnesium. A deficiency of magnesium is known as hypomagnesemia. When magnesium is deficient it leads to a host of effects particularly of the muscles, nerves, bones, blood glucose, heart rhythm, blood pressure and urine.

continue reading Hypermagnesemia (High Blood Magnesium)

Definition

Methemoglobinemia (met-hemo-globin-emia) is a condition where the quantity of methemoglobin in the red blood cells is higher than normal. It is a congenital condition, meaning that it is present from birth, but can develop in life due to exposure to certain toxins. Although methemoglobin is normally present in red blood cells, its quantity is low. Methemoglobin does not carry oxygen unlike hemoglobin. Therefore a rise in the levels of methemoglobin in red blood cells can compromise the ability of these cells to carry oxygen. Very high levels of methemoglobin can be fatal.

continue reading Methemoglobinemia (High Methemoglobin Levels)

Definition

Thrombocytosis is a condition where the platelet count in the blood is higher than normal. It is also referred to as thrombocythemia. Platelets are an important component of blood and is an integral factor in the blood clotting process. Most cases of thrombocytosis are transient and the condition does not produce any symptoms. Diagnosis is usually made during screening for other medical conditions.

However, the fact that platelets play such a central role in blood clotting does mean that there is a higher risk of clot formation in thrombocytosis. More importantly though, thrombocytosis may be caused by various disorders particularly those of the bone marrow, and some of which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

continue reading Thrombocytosis (High Blood Platelets)

What is hypomagnesemia?

Hypomagnesemia is the medical term for lower than normal magnesium levels in the blood. Although magnesium is so abundant in the body and very important for health, it is often not given as much attention as calcium and phosphate. However, magnesium is just as important as these minerals and is in fact needed for calcium and phosphate to be properly utilized by the body. Recent evidence indicating that hypomagnesemia is an important side effect of prolonged use of a widely used acid-suppressing drug known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), has shed light on the importance of magnesium.

How common is hypomagnesemia?

The incidence of hypomagnesemia is dependent on the patient, their health stats and underlying diseases. It is estimated that 2 out of every 100 people in the general population have some degree of hypomagnesemia. It is a small but significant incidence. However, in patients who are hospitalized and especially those in the intensive care unit (ICU), the incidence is much higher. Hypomagnesemia may be as common as 20% in hospitalized patients and up to 65% in ICU patients. Alcoholics are often at the greatest risk of hypomagnesemia.

continue reading Hypomagnesemia (Low Blood Magnesium Levels)