Concerns for Surgery: Low Hemoglobin (Anemia)

Anemia is the medical term for low hemoglobin (Hgb). This is a common problem. It happens when you have less red blood cells than normal or not enough hemoglobin in your red blood cells.

Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein in red blood cells. It carries oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. When you do not have enough hemoglobin, your blood can not carry as much oxygen as your body needs. Without enough oxygen, your body can not work as well as it should.

Normal Hemoglobin Ranges

Male: 13.5-18 g/dl

Female: 12-15 g/dl

What are the symptoms of anemia?

Most of what happens with anemia is because less oxygen goes to the body’s cells and tissues (hypoxia). If you have mild anemia, you may not notice any changes.

Symptoms vary but may include:

  • Paleness
  • Faster heart rate
  • Trouble catching your breath
  • Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
  • Feeling dizzy or faint
  • Headache
  • Being irritable
  • Sore or swollen tongue
  • Yellowing of skin, eyes, and mouth (jaundice)
  • Enlarged spleen or liver
  • Poor wound healing
  • Irregular or delayed menstrual cycles, or not having a period

There are many types of anemia. Each has its own cause and treatment. Anemia is often caused by another disease.

What happens if my hemoglobin is low?

More tests may be done to check your iron level and what is causing your anemia. The care needed depends on why your hemoglobin is low. Treatment may be:

  • Iron supplements

  • Vitamins such as B12 or folic acid

  • Change in diet

  • Medications

You may also be asked to see other specialists such as a:

  • Blood doctor called a Hematologist (heem a tala jist)

  • Kidney doctor called a Nephrologist (nef rala jist)

  • Digestive tract doctor called a Gastroenterologist (gas tro enter ala jist)

It is important to find the cause of your anemia. Having anemia for a long time can be dangerous.

Why is it best to try to raise my hemoglobin before surgery?

Having surgery without enough hemoglobin can raise your chance of having problems during and after surgery. These may include:

  • Problems breathing which may require you to be on a machine to help you breath for a longer period of time
  • Need for blood transfusions or more fluids
  • Greater risk of infection
  • Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
  • Possible death

Created: 05/2020

Revised: 03/2023