HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Could Very Low Hemoglobin Level Lead To Death?

How does low hemoglobin kill a person and is it a painful death? We brought my father in law home on a vent 2 weeks ago to pass, had bypass surgery in January and never got off the vent. Does not want anything done that requires a trip to the hospital. His hemoglobin is at 6 (this has been an issue the last 6 months with many units of blood given), our family understands that this could kill him, we don't want it to be painful. What happens when hemoglobin keeps going lower?
Wed, 17 Dec 2014
Report Abuse
Geriatrics Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. Low hemoglobin leads to deficient oxygenation of tissues, which can cause cellular hypoxia leading to cell death.
2. Due to low hemoglobin, the heart performs more activity for more oxygen to reach tissues, this overtime will lead to cardiac failure.
3. Tissue damage can produce free radicals, which cause further tissue injury.
4. Cardiac failure, peripheral organs damage and risk of infection are the usual cause of death in severe anemia or low hemoglobin.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
I find this answer helpful
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Hemoglobin


Loading Online Doctors....
Could Very Low Hemoglobin Level Lead To Death?

Hi, Thanks for asking. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows. 1. Low hemoglobin leads to deficient oxygenation of tissues, which can cause cellular hypoxia leading to cell death. 2. Due to low hemoglobin, the heart performs more activity for more oxygen to reach tissues, this overtime will lead to cardiac failure. 3. Tissue damage can produce free radicals, which cause further tissue injury. 4. Cardiac failure, peripheral organs damage and risk of infection are the usual cause of death in severe anemia or low hemoglobin. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.