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Cardiovascular System

Blood

What are the major disorders that affect red blood cells?

The main erythrocyte disorders are anemias in which blood has a low oxygen carrying capacity. Anemia is a symptom of an underlying disease such as lowered red blood cell count, low hemoglobin levels, or abnormal hemoglobin formation. A decrease in red blood cells may be due to hemorrhage (excessive loss of blood), iron deficiency, or reduced oxygen availability. High altitudes or some cases of pneumonia may lead to reduced oxygen availability.